The Rose tradition is, above all, about family

We have all heard the jokes about the lovely girls contest when it comes to the Rose of the Tralee. And of course they are all lovely young women but the contest is about so much more than just that.

The sixteen young women who put themselves forward for this year’s Cavan Rose selection are all to be commended. As a judge on the three-strong judging panel, it was an enormous challenge to pick just one young woman to represent the county in Tralee. They are all strong, intelligent, young women who are active in their local communities. They lead by example and want to make their families and communities proud. They can be reassured that they are doing that every day - through their studies, through their work, through supporting their friends and families, and through doing their bit to make the world around them a better place.

It’s a bit of a running joke that the Rose of Tralee always seems to attract teachers and nurses and certainly those pursuing a teaching profession were in the majority in the Cavan applicants; most the others were in some sort of caring profession. And a passion for Irish and music came through very strongly with an abundance of talent on display.

WATCH - THE MOMENT GRACE IS CROWNED CAVAN ROSE

These women are, above all, kind and caring. It’s a simple message in life - be kind! But, if everybody followed it, the world certainly would be a much better place. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to make a difference.

The Rose of Tralee is far more than a beauty pageants (the cynics will say it’s a Hallmark festival for Tralee tourism, and yes it is that, but much more). The emphasis is on personality and potential and choosing someone who will be an ambassador for others in their county and country, those who embody all that is good about the Irish culture and tradition.

The impact that being part of the Rose has had on generations of women going back 65 years is remarkable. It has helped them grow in confidence, explore the world and make life-long friends and memories.

As an observer, the power of the Rose family and the lasting bonds it produces is palpable.

Organisers are making great efforts to modernise the competition too. In recent years, the rules have changed to allow married women to enter, as well as transgender women. Also, the age limit has been increased to 29 years, all welcome changes.

The festival empowers women and creates role models for those following in their footsteps. Above all, it encourages them to be the best version of themselves.

The 2023 Rose of Tralee, New York Rose Róisín Wiley, agrees.

She said: “Being a participant in this festival has empowered me more than anything I’ve ever done in my life.”

“There is a element of judging, but we’re told to be ourselves. That is the most important part in determining whether you’re fit to wear the sash. We are proud to be who we are.”

Best of luck to the new Cavan Rose Grace Farrelly - one of dozens and hundreds of blooming blue roses in our beautiful Breffni county, all of whom we are rightly proud.