Louth Rose Aoife’s pride at her selection
Louth Rose Aoife Heffron spoke of her ‘shock, pride, and incredible sense of honour’ at reaching the televised finals of the Rose of Tralee last night (Monday).
The 27 year old Dundalk woman was among the first 18 Roses to be interviewed live on stage by Daithi O’Se.
But her path to the world famous stage wasn’t guaranteed, as not all contestants who travelled to Tralee made it through to the live interviews.
The Louth Rose only found out on Saturday morning last that she had been selected.
‘It was exciting, but sombre as well,’ she said. ‘Because you are making sure everyone is OK.
‘But we just have to enjoy ourselves as Rose sisters.’
Having enjoyed an action packed week touring with the Roses across the country, Aoife said she was ‘ thrilled, but shocked’ to have been chosen firstly as the Louth Rose, and then selected on Saturday for the tv interviews.
‘I have to say I am in a lot of shock, but I am incredibly honoured, and incredibly proud that Louth is represented again on stage.’
‘I think this is the third year in a row that Louth have made it on stage, and I am very proud to be following in the footsteps of Megan and Jenny, the past Louth Roses, and to be on stage with Daithi.’
Speaking as she prepared for the show, Aoife added: ‘Shock, pride and an incredible sense of honour would be the main things I am feeling right now’
She was delighted to be supported in the dome by a wide circle of family and friends as she took to the stage.
Aoife was among a number of Irish and international contestants, including Roses from Hong Kong, Melbourne and Kentucky interviewed last night. The remaining 14 will take to the stage tonight (Tuesday), when the 58th Rose of Tralee will be named.