Kerry Rose of Tralee opens up about strict rules to ‘safeguard' young women
Laura Daly, from Ballymacelligott, is hoping to take the crown back to the Kingdom. But the 23-year-old has revealed what goes on behind the scenes to keep all 32 Roses looking so fresh for the Rose of Tralee, which will be hosted by Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé.
She told the Irish Mirror: 'There's a mixture of things. But you know what, they're put in place in a sense that keeps us safe, keeps us well, keeps us going, because it is a very long process.
'People are tired. You're being pulled for pictures, you're being pulled for interviews. You're with the girls. You're trying to get to know 32 new people, not to mind your chaperone team, not to mind everybody who awaits you when you come down to Tralee as well.
'But when it comes to curfews, even last night, we had a gala up in Co Meath in the Knightsbrook Hotel and there was a few of us looking at our chaperone saying, 'When is it bedtime?' Tyrone Rose Clóideach Donagh, Boston and New England Rose Maeve Kelly, Kerry Rose Laura Daly, Texas Rose Sara Costa, Carlow Rose Katie Ryan, Down Rose Anna Mulholland, Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins and Meath Rose Ella Bannon (Image: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD)
'Like, we need bedtime. We want to shower. We need to pack suitcases. It's just to have our best interests at heart. Like, the biggest thing is we have a briefing every night, which basically is time keeping is the biggest one, really, if you're not on time, because it's all different wheels that are put in motion if one thing comes out, but to see the inner workings of this festival from this side of things.
'I would always say that from being involved, you think you know what the festival is, but I've just seen it in a brand new light this year. And you, you really get to see the inner workings of how the Roses, who are, I guess, who are at the centre of this festival, they need to be kept going.
'They need to make sure that they all have a voice come Monday and Tuesday night, nobody's getting sick, everybody's happy and in a good, safe head space, and everybody's feeling supported.
'So these rules, I guess people see them as rules, but when you're in it, you know why you need it. It's the same way as we're told to eat healthy, the same way as we're told to exercise, like all these things, like, when it comes to the rules, whether it's at bedtime, whether it's, you know, don't drink too much.'
This year's festival takes place in Tralee tomorrow and Tuesday from 8pm.
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