WICKLOW’S NEW ROSE!
New Wicklow Rose Abby McKenna with the other competitors at the Rose selection night at the Arklow Bay Hotel on Sunday. Abby, from Redcross, was sponsored by Wicklow Brewery.
A SHOCKED yet thrilled Abby McKenna has been crowned as the 2017 Wicklow Rose.
Abby was chosen from a line-up of 16 contestants at the Wicklow Rose selection night at the Arklow Bay Hotel on Sunday.
The Redcross lady walked away with an array of prizes that included a selection of jewellery from the newly announced lead sponsor of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Tipperary Crystal, and, of course, the coveted Wicklow sash which she will wear with pride as she goes on to represent Garden County in the Dome in Tralee.
‘I was really shocked. I never imagined that I would win and I only entered for the experience of taking part. All the girls who entered were amazing so I am over the moon and so happy to be chosen to represent Wicklow at the Rose of Tralee,’ Abby said.
The daughter of Grace Wilson, Abby is the eldest of three children and is a qualified beauty therapist. She has enrolled for a digital marketing course in September but may have to put her plans on hold if she goes on to become this year’s Rose of Tralee. Abby is currently working at Wicklow Brewery, who sponsored her for the Wicklow Rose.
‘I can’t wait. My mother and my brother and sister as well as my auntie and grandmother will be going to Tralee and some of my friends so I am really looking forward to it, says Abby. ‘I just plan to enjoy it and make the most of the experience. Not many people can say they have been involved in the Rose of Tralee and it will be a great story to tell in the years ahead.’
Steve Cronly of the International Rose of Tralee Festival attended the evening in the Arklow Bay Hotel. He commented on the great calibre of girls who took part in the Wicklow Rose and wished everyone the very best with future endeavours.
‘It was a super night of Roses and an absolute pleasure to be in Wicklow to witness 16 unique ladies on stage,’ he said.
The night was presented by MC Ollie Turner of Galway Bay FM and Dale Hennessey was the musical director who supported the contestants with their choice of party piece.
There were prizes for ‘Best dressed Lady’, Best Dressed Man’ and ‘Best Banner’, as well as a raffle in aid of Crumlin Hospital.