Search begins for 2023 Limerick Rose of Tralee
THE International Rose of Tralee, Rachel Duffy, travelled to Limerick this Thursday, to launch the search for the 2023 Limerick Rose.
Suzan O'Gara, Festival of Kerry Director, added that this year is slightly different as the organisers envision selecting community Roses in counties around Ireland before the festival kicks off in August.
“We’re making our way all around the country with the intention of launching the festival on Rachel Duffy’s national tour - but, on another level, we are launching our latest initiative which is all about getting back into the community,” Suzan told Limerick Live.
“We have three Limerick communities getting involved this year, who will elect three Roses and they will then go on to take part in the County election, representing their locality for the year,” she added.
The three communities in Limerick which will select Community Roses this year are Newcastle West, Adare and Abbeyfeale while a Rose will also be selected in the city.
Details of the community selection events will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The plan is that we can leave a donation in every community that we’re in - we are really excited and we really want everybody to apply!” said Suzan.
The last Limerick Rose Sinead Flanagan was named the overall winner in 2019 and according to the last year's winner, Rachel, the next Limerick Roses have big shoes to fill.
“I have high expectations now for Limerick this year! We came here on our Rose tour last time during the competition and we loved it. It’s nice to be back in Limerick, and out and about talking to people again,” Rachel added.