The Argus

MEGAN READY FOR THE ROSE

COOLEY IS REPRESENTI­NG LOUTH AT FESTIVAL

- BY ANNE CAMPBELL

LOUTH Rose Megan Ferguson is rallying her supporters to join her in the Dome in Kerry at the Rose of Tralee Internatio­nal Festival from August 17 to 23.

She will be among 65 Roses from all over the world who will be at this year’s extended festival which will include parades, funfair, circus, 70 hours of free and affordable entertainm­ent, Fashion Show and fireworks displays.

Megan, 19, from Cooley and an employee at The Four Seasons Hotel, said: ‘I have really enjoyed wearing the 2016 Louth sash so far and have loved representi­ng the Louth Rose centre at various events across the county and further afield.

‘ The support that I have received from people far and wide has been unbelievab­le and I cannot thank those people enough. I look forward to the rest of the year as Louth Rose and cannot wait to get on the bus and head for Tralee’.

Prior to arriving in Tralee, Megan will embark on a five day tour taking in some of Ireland’s top tourism landmarks such as Guinness Storehouse, Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, The K Club and Kilmainham Gaol. When the Roses arrive in the Kingdom of Kerry, they will sample some of the most famous scenery and tourist attraction­s in the world.

The format for this year’s Rose of Tralee Internatio­nal Festival has changed to allow every Rose travel to Tralee to enjoy the event in its entirety.

Megan told the Argus she is very much looking forward to the event and leaves for Dublin this Friday. She said: ‘Everyone has been really supportive, including the previous Louth Roses’.

Megan has 24 outfits already picked for the festival, including a stunning canary yellow dress, designed by Newry designer Shauna Fay. ‘Usually I’m in a jersey and tracksuit so this is a change for me’, said Megan

The Communicat­ions Manager of the Rose of Tralee Internatio­nal Festival, John Drummey, said: ‘For the past 11 years a qualifying event was staged in the Midlands at the end of May at which 32 Roses were selected to appear on TV in August and ultimately get to enjoy all the fun of the Festival.

‘ The good news is that every Rose who is selected to represent her county/city/state/ country will travel to the festival in Tralee. The Roses will still take part in a qualifying process, as RTE can only accommodat­e 32 Roses on live TV with Dáithí Ó Sé’.

Each Rose who takes part in the qualifying selections, also presented by Dáithí Ó Sé in the Dome, on either August 17 or 18 and she’ll find out on Sunday 21 if she will be appearing on the televised selections on the following Monday or Tuesday at 8pm nightly.

Anyone who wishes to travel to Tralee to support Megan or to enjoy any of the live entertainm­ent during the Festival can purchase tickets from www.roseoftral­ee.ie.

 ??  ?? The Rose of Tralee parade and below right, Louth Rose of Tralee contestant Megan Ferguson.
The Rose of Tralee parade and below right, Louth Rose of Tralee contestant Megan Ferguson.
 ??  ?? Dáithí Ó Sé.
Dáithí Ó Sé.

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