THE 2009 Rose of Clare, Mary Immaculate student Ciara Madigan from Carnacalla, Kilrush was presented with her prize money at a function in Kilrush Golf Club recently.
The celebration included a disco, at which the new Rose of Clare, who is a daughter of Peggy and James Madigan, marked her win with friends and family.

Twelve roses from across Clare participated in the festival, which is organised by a sub-committee of Cooraclare GAA Club. The festival has been running since 1979 and this year marked the 30th anniversary of the event.
Up until this year, the individual appointed Guardian of the Roses acquired participants through word of mouth.
However, the format changed for the recent festival, as many of the roses applied to the committee to represent their area.
A similar format is planned for next year. Roses will be invited to apply to the organising committee next spring if they are interested in competing.
Apart from the prize money, Ciara Madigan was also presented with Newbridge jewellery, a dinner voucher, a Galway Crystal vase and a hamper from Burns pharmacy in Kilrush.
In fact, all of the roses received the pharmacy and Newbridge hampers.
The week-long festival attracts hundreds of visitors from West Clare to Cooraclare and Cree each August.