Westmeath Rose is Rose of Tralee
Rachel Duffy has been announced as the 2022 Rose of Tralee, becoming the first Rose representing Westmeath to take the title.
Rachel, 24 was presented with her sash by the 2019 Rose of Tralee Dr Sinead Flanagan after the Festival returned for the first time since August 2019.
From the small village of Rosemount located in the heart of the country in Co Westmeath, Rachel graduated from NUIG with an Undergraduate Degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies and Spanish last year. She is currently working in P Egan’s Traditional Irish Bar in Moate, and plans to return to university to complete a Master’s Degree to be a Spanish and English teacher.
RTÉ’s Dáithí Ó Sé made the announcement live from Kerry Sports Academy at MTU to local and global audiences following two sensational TV nights. Over the course of both nights, viewers tuned in from countries including Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia.
The celebrations were instant as Rachel was whisked away to the streets of Tralee, where she will be presented to the town of Tralee and serenaded by Alan Teahan in front of the thousands of people that have lined out for the Midnight Madness fireworks display.
Following the announcement, a shocked Rachel said; “I’m pinching myself now wondering if it just happened. Having all the Roses around me made it so much more special. I’m so grateful for this honour; it was such an honour to represent my community and my county and now to be the Rose of Tralee is just unbelievable.”
“I never anticipated ending up here, I’m looking forward to the memories I’m going to make. If the last two weeks are anything to go on I know I’m going to make memories to last a lifetime.”
As the 2022 Rose of Tralee, Rachel will enjoy an extensive prize package that includes:
· Exquisite ranges from Tipperary Crystal’s 2022 Jewellery Collection, and exclusively designed trophy
· The All New KIA Niro Plug-In Hybrid EV courtesy of McElligott’s Tralee for the next year
· Hair styling by Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty during the year of her reign
· ‘Home away from home’ complimentary accommodation at the four star Meadowlands Hotel throughout the year
· Weeklong Adventure Break from Kerry County Council, taking in all that The Kingdom has to offer
· And World Travel prize valued at €25,000
33 International Roses from communities across Ireland and around the world took part in the 61st Rose of Tralee International Festival which began last Friday and featured parades, fireworks displays #RoseFest music events including Mundy and Clíona O’Hagan, FREE street entertainment, family camps, and the return of Féile na mBlath at The Park Festival.