Limerick parishes ‘bursting with pride’ at Rose of Tralee's proud links

THE GOOD people of Kilmallock and Templeglantine can’t wait to roll out the red carpet to welcome the newly-crowned Rose of Tralee.

New York Rose Róisín Wiley, whose mum Majella (nee O’Reilly)  is from Templeglantine and dad Eddie from Kilmallock, told Newstalk it was a “dream come true”.

“My extended family still live in Ireland. I’m very close to my Irish roots,” said Róisín.

Kilmallock and Templeglantine are very proud of one of their own.

Her dad Eddie is Club Limerick New York chairman and a massive Limerick GAA supporter.

“This will probably be the best year of his life!” said Róisín, in reference to the hurlers' four-in-row and her new title.

Kilmallock-based councillor, Mike Donegan, said there was a great buzz all week, while Cllr Liam Galvin said it was a special occasion for Templeglantine. 

Cllr Donegan said Kilmallock Tourism Development decorated a number of windows in the town with USA flags and banners wishing Róisín the best of luck.

“On Monday night we had the Limerick jersey for Molli-Ann O'Halloran and we swapped it on Tuesday night for the New York Yankees! We were rooting for the Limerick Rose but obviously with the connections in Kilmallock and Templeglantine it was fantastic for Róisín, Majella and Eddie and the Wiley and O’Reilly families. Majella and Eddie are lovely people.

“I would have known Eddie and, indeed, he was the best man at my late brother JJ’s wedding and vice versa so there is a strong family connection,” said Cllr Donegan.

Róisín’s grandfather John Wiley passed away in 2015 but her grandmother Eileen is alive and well and residing in Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree.

Proprietor Anne Maria Moore said there has been a great excitement in the care facility in the build-up. 

“Eileen was counting down the days. She’s a lovely lady and is absolutely thrilled. They’re watching it back today and having a party to celebrate,” said Ms Moore. 

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Cllr Donegan said they are looking forward to welcoming Róisín to Kilmallock.

“We’ll have to roll-out the red carpet and acknowledge her success in style with a presentation. There are a lot of family in Kilmallock,” said Cllr Donegan.

On the other side of the county, Cllr Galvin said the pride Templeglantine have in Róisín was shown by the turn-out when the cavalcade of Roses passed through the village.

“It’s great that a local girl from just back the road is after winning the Rose of Tralee. There were contestants from all over the world - it is a remarkable achievement,” said Cllr Galvin.

Sadly, her maternal grandparents are gone to her God. 

“I know her uncle Christy and Betty Walsh very well. As the crow flies, they live two miles from me. We’re all delighted. The people of ‘Glantine must be proud today - the O’Reilly family, nieces and nephews and cousins and we congratulate them all,” said Cllr Galvin, who would also like to honour Róisín in her mother’s homeplace. He suggested the Devon Inn Hotel as a lot of people from Templeglantine would like to attend the celebration.

Róisín also lived in Patrickswell for a year when she was younger so perhaps a third homecoming is on the cards.

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Mayor Gerald Mitchell has extended his congratulations to Róisín.

“Róisín was a very worthy winner and it is great to have such a strong Limerick connection to the International Rose of Tralee. The Wileys are a well-known and well-respected family in the Kilmallock area and I am delighted that they have this achievement to celebrate. Róisín is a fantastic representative of the Irish diaspora and clearly proud of her Limerick heritage. I wish her a fantastic 12 months and hope she enjoys every second of her time as International Rose of Tralee 2023,” said Mayor Mitchell, who was also effusive in his praise for the Limerick Rose Molli-Ann O’Halloran.

“She did the county proud. Her personal story is very inspiring and I believe she has helped to give people a better understanding about autism. She has a wonderful singing voice as demonstrated with an outstanding performance on live television from the stage in Tralee. 

“I wish her all the best with her studies and I am sure we have not heard the last from this very impressive ambassador for Limerick,” said Mayor Mitchell.