Rose of Tralee encourages people to apply for 2024 festival

THE NEW York Rose of Tralee, Róisín Wiley with strong Limerick roots has encouraged people to apply for 2024 festival as applications open.

Selections for Roses will take place across 32 centres nationally and worldwide and 2023 Rose of Tralee Róisín Wiley and Rose Escort of the Year Tommy Cunningham officially launched the search at The Jeanie Johnston, a historical landmark in Dublin to launch this year’s search for Roses.

Every Rose that is selected to represent her county, city or country will enjoy a nationwide Rose Tour, showcasing the best attractions and communities right across Ireland before arriving in Tralee for five fun-filled days of parades, gala functions, community events, entertainment, the televised Rose Selection nights and much more.

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Sharing a post on Instagram to the Rose of Tralee Festival page, New York Rose of Tralee Róisín Wiley encouraged people to apply saying: “What a surreal and exciting moment to be here launching the 2024 International Rose of Tralee Festival with some of my fellow Roses and Rose Escorts. Although it may sound cliché, applying to be the New York Rose (twice!) has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Participating in the festival has beyond exceeded my expectations in terms of the friendships you make, fun you have, and opportunities that come your way,” she said.

“As a first generation Irish American, I have never felt more proud and empowered to represent my family and Ireland on an International scale. I am confident that I can speak on behalf of the Roses and Rose Escorts, that we all feel the same and would encourage anyone to give this a shot. Although August is just a few months away, I know this is just the start of my Rose journey, and I cannot wait to welcome the class of 2024 to the Rose family.”

Róisín, who is connected to Limerick through her parents Eddie Wiley, originally from Kilmallock, and her mum, Majella, originally from Templeglantine has always felt a big connection to her heritage as they travel back almost every year to be with their extended family in Limerick.

Ireland’s flagship family festival, the Rose of Tralee International Festival continues to grow in popularity with more than 100,000 enjoying all that was on offer across the five-day event, and more than 15 million views of last year’s festival on Rose of Tralee social media.

Now, as we prepare to do it all again in 2024, the search is on at home and abroad to find this year’s Roses and Rose Escorts.

Applications are also open for Rose Escorts for 2024.

Kildare man and Rose Escort of the Year Tommy Cunningham said: “If you are reading this and contemplating whether to become a Rose Escort for 2024, it is my personal promise that it is a decision you will never regret.”

The 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 18-22.