The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
The search is officially underway to find the 2014 Clare Rose.
Ladies with designs on the sash are being urged to take the first step of putting themselves in the spotlight by submitting an online application form for the selection process, which could end up with them on stage with Daithí Ó Sé in the Dome in Tralee this August.
One of the most unique aspects of the Clare Rose selection process is that it models itself on that of the International Festival itself, to give all the Clare Roses a taste of what Tralee could have in store for them.
There are a number of events taking place in the run-up to the April 19 selection night, with the much-loved Clare Rose Tour, in particular, taking place across the county on April 12.
Clare Rose Centre chairman Ciarán O’Connell acknowledged that the response has already been phenomenal.
“We’ve been blown away by how many expressions of interest we’ve had so far. The word has definitely spread throughout the county about what an incredible experience the selection process is in Clare.
“We’ve seen quite an increase in the number of ladies who want to follow in the footsteps of 2013 Clare Rose Marie Donnellan and make it to the Dome.”
Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Marie was on hand to join 2013 Rose of Tralee Haley O’Sullivan on her recent visit to the county to launch the search for the 2014 Clare Rose.
“Where do I even start with the last 10 months? It’s been such an incredible experience that to this day I’m still struggling to put it into words,” Marie admitted.
“From the moment I was chosen as the Clare Rose, my life has been a whirlwind. It was such an honour to represent the Banner County in Tralee but really one of the most incredible aspects of the selection are the friends I’ve made from it,” she added.
Applications are now being accepted for the selection process, with March 31 the closing date. Online application forms can be found on www.roseoftralee.ie.
