Rose of Tralee tour lands in Cork for the first time since 2008

Wed, 21 Aug, 2019 - 20:10

CORK has a good chance at claiming the Rose of Tralee this year, as seven of the entrants boasted of their Cork roots and connections on a trip to Carrigaline yesterday.

Young girls Robyn Kelleher and Lilly Nolan enjoy storytime with Kilkenny Rose Clodagh Cassin and other Rose contestants during a visit to Audiology Medical Services, Carrigaline today

Just before the Rose of Tralee festival kicks off in Kerry his weekend, the contestents stopped off to visit Cork.

This was the first time the Rose tour visited Cork since 2008.

The group included the Cork Rose herself, Stephanie McCarthy, from Frankfield.

Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan, Mayor of the County of Cork takes a 'selfie' photograph with visiting Rose contestants

Abu Dhabi will be represented by Karen Cashman from Carrigtowhill, while Cork-born Simone Hendrick Buchanan will represent South Australia.

Sarah O'Shea from Douglas will represent Western Candad, while Laura Kennedy from Glenville will compete from London.

Wexford Rose Emma Byrne with young supporters Erin and Keelin Hayes

Rebecca Mazza from Kanturk is the Sydney Rose, while the Limerick Rose, Sinead Flanagan, studied and now works as a junior doctor in Cork.

The Roses journey will continue this week before the descend on Tralee over the weekend, ahead of the two day televised competition next Monday and Tuesday.