Search for Wicklow Rose begins
THE search to find the 2024 Wicklow Rose is officially underway, with young women from all over the Garden County invited to apply online ahead of this year’s Wicklow Rose selection.
To mark the beginning of the selection process, The Bridgewater Shopping Centre and Arklow Bay Hotel welcomed prospective Wicklow Roses recently for two insightful meet-and-greet events with 2023 Wicklow Rose and Arklow native Róisín Long.
A stream of budding roses flowed into the Bridgewater and the following information evening at the Arklow Bay, where Róisín was on hand to offer her advice and answer questions about the fantastic experiences she has had on her journey.
“Entering the Rose of Tralee International Festival was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made, and after being crowned the Wicklow Rose 2022, I then set out to embark on an experience of a lifetime,” Róisín commented.
“I have made the most exciting memories and met the most lovely people, who I thankfully will have in my life forever from all parts of the world – my Rose family.
“Being a representative of Wicklow was one of the proudest moments in my life, and one that I will cherish forever.”
With excitement ramping up in anticipation of the Wicklow Rose’s campaign and the forthcoming festival in Tralee later this year, young women from all over Garden County are invited to apply online ahead of this year’s Wicklow Rose selection.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival has introduced some exciting changes for the coming years. Rose centres throughout the country will now hold a rose selection in their county every second year, meaning that each rose selected in her county will be guaranteed a place on live TV in the Dome in Tralee.
Steve Cronly, Director of Operations with the Rose of Tralee International Festival, said: “The Rose of Tralee International Festival is the most incredible experience, and I would encourage as many young women as possible to take part and become their local Rose.
“I guarantee they will make incredible friends and have an amazing experience.
“Many people think that the Rose of Tralee festival is just one week long, and they don’t realise that the Roses and Rose Escorts have so many incredible experiences throughout the whole year. All I can say to any young woman is to ‘go for it’ and apply!”
Adding to Mr Cronly’s sentiments, a spokesperson for the Wicklow Rose Centre noted that the desire to be the next Rose of Tralee is stronger than ever, with over 4000 women entering selection events around the world since 2014.
“The Wicklow Rose Centre is inviting all interested girls between 18 and 29 years old to reach out and put themselves forward to be part of this year’s Wicklow Rose selection,” the spokesperson said.
“We would also like to invite GAA, camogie clubs, societies, groups and businesses to nominate a representative from their respective communities to take part in one of Wicklow’s annual flagship events. We look forward to hearing from you all.”
To get involved, contact the Wicklow Rose Centre on social media or Steve Cronly on 086 2505791.