…as her mum signs up to be a Rose judge

SHE wore the Rose sash in 1983 and now, 35 years on, she’ll be one of those deciding who’ll wear it this year. Alannah’s mother, Brenda Hyland Beirne, right, is to return to the competition this year as a judge.

Brenda, who is a former garda and the managing director of the Irish School of Etiquette, says the qualities it takes to be a winner remain the same.

‘Nothing changes. Kindness, graciousness, to be capable,’ she said. The festival runs from August 17 to 21.