Dream come true for Clare Rose

THE Clare Rose committee is making the final preparations for the Clare Rose selection night, which takes place next month. The closing date for entries is March 20 and last year’s winner, Orla McDonagh, is urging women around the county to take part for what she says is a “whirlwind of wonderful, lifelong, memorable experiences”.
“It has been a privilege to have had this opportunity to represent County Clare as this year’s Clare Rose of Tralee 2012. As all young girls in Ireland, we can recall being brought up watching the Rose of Tralee each summer and the excitement of each rose being interviewed on stage, while guessing which girl will represent the Rose of Tralee in the coming year. Being selected as the Clare Rose gave me that feeling of accomplishment and pride after achieving a childhood dream to step into the shoes of a rose,” Orla said.
The Gort resident and Ennis teacher explained how she took the first steps in those shoes.
“It all began for me in April, when the staff in Ennis Community College/Gaelcholáiste an Chláir encouraged me to enter the Clare selections for the Rose of Tralee. With that encouragement, my adventure began. I was selected in April 2012 and the journey to the regional finals began.
“I had the chance to meet a wonderful group of girls, some who will be friends for many years to come. We had the time of our lives, doing what girls love best – dressing up, fine dining and plenty of fun to go around.
“Unfortunately, I did not make it through the regionals but the four days spent in Portlaoise were quickly relived when all the roses regrouped again for the Rose of Tralee Festival in August. Each moment was filled with laughter, memories and friendships never to be forgotten. This experience set the pace for what has been an unforgettable year,” Orla recalled.
A particular highlight for the Ennistymon woman was her work with charities.
“My year has given me the chance to meet with numerous groups and wonderful people around Clare. I have gotten to witness firsthand the extraordinary work done by groups and charities all over our county from day to day.
“I had the opportunity to meet with all the children and organisers of Clare Crusaders. I had the chance to be a judge on two occasions at talent shows held locally for the William Winder Foundation. I volunteered for the Fight for Autism in aid of the new autistic unit at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point in the Armada Hotel.
“I was also guest judge for the ‘Dainty Daisy’ night in aid of the Rape Crisis Centre, invited to the Clarecastle Regatta, County Show and local community events in the county.
“In July, I had the privilege of being an honorary guest at the global arena during the Volvo Ocean Race, where I got the chance to meet with President Michael D Higgins.
“The year has been packed with fun-filled events. Without a doubt, the most thrilling and satisfying of all was the chance to see the great work being done around Clare and the joy that people’s hard work brings to the life of those around them,” she outlined.
The music and Irish teacher is lamenting the end of her reign as the Clare Rose but knows she must pass the tiara on to this year’s successful candidate.
“Even though it is sad to think it is over, I know that I have had the pleasure of experiencing my dream, as what was only a thought in my mind as a girl became a reality,” she said.
She also acknowledged all the support she received from local businesses throughout the year.
“I know there are girls out there who hold this dream in their minds and hearts and the advice I can give is just to do it. Do not sit back and say that it cannot be you because it can be you. To accomplish what you want, do not just plan in your head but never act, just do it and more importantly, believe in yourself,” she said.
The closing date for entries is March 20, and the Clare Rose selection will take place at the West County Hotel, Ennis on April 12 at 8pm. Entrants must be of Irish descent and aged between 18 and 27. For more information, contact Clare Rose Selection Committee chairman Ciarán O’Connell on 0863871635 or by email on theclarerose@gmail.com. Forms and full details of how to become a rose or escort are available at www.roseoftralee.ie.