Support messages help to pick up Cavan Rose

While the Rose of Tralee pageant reaches its climax tonight on RTÉ 1, the Cavan Rose will watch on knowing she did the county proud. On Saturday the Killinkere lass Rachel Cusack was amongst 25 contestants whose hopes were extinguished before the final stage, televised last night and tonight. Only 32 of the 57 who made the trip to the Kingdom got a chance in the final two days to have a natter onstage with Daithí and perform their party piece in the Dome.

“I’m not going to lie - I was really really devastated,” Rachel told the Celt this morning. “I had my cry but then I just picked myself back up because the messages I got were so so amazing - everyone gave me such good support, said that I did such a good job and made my county proud.
“To be honest there’s no point being upset over it, yeah it would have been perfect to get up there on telly and represent my county, but at the end of the day I’ve had a ball and I think that I have represented Cavan well down here.”
The oncology nurse is at a loss as to why she didn’t make the final cut. “It’s hard to know what they are looking for, because I really do feel like I deserved it.”
Rachel was eager to stress how enjoyable the “amazing” experience has been, and noted that one plus side from going out at the weekend was that she didn’t have to suppress nerves for the rest of the week. Speaking ahead of the crowning of the Rose, Rachel said she was looking forward to making the most of the final night.
“I know I have my family and my friends around me, and sure what more would you want. And I have a great year ahead as well.”