Latest news with #RoseofTralee
Irish Independent
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose' – Nancy Lehane to represent Rebels at 2025 Rose of Tralee
Ms Lehane is a proud native of the Duhallow-based village, the highest in Ireland, and the talented musician is about to live out her childhood dream of being the Cork Rose. Some 25 hopefuls took to the stage with an array of musical talents, eloquent poems and mesmerising dance moves in the hopes to woo the judging panel which consisted of the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Nicola Dunne; 2001 Cork Rose Olivia Walsh Murphy and Sales and Marketing Manager at the Rochestown Park Hotel Steve Cox. Ollie Turner was the host on the night and the Galway Bay FM sports presenter – and Fine Gael councillor – has played a part in Rose of Tralee selection nights for almost two decades, as well as being a judge over the past two renditions of the festival. When Mr Turner opened the envelope which revealed Ms Lehane's name he said: 'The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose,' which was met with a huge roar of approval by the crowd. Ms Lehane recently completed her degree in Primary Education in Limerick and currently works at Bob's Restaurant in Kanturk. The Rose of Tralee will not be her first appearance on television as she competed in Ireland's Fittest Family in 2021. The 21-year-old has a keen interest in volunteering at local events, as well as embarking on a life-changing trip to Uganda to work with children. CEO of The Rose of Tralee Anthony O'Gara complimented Cork for celebrations that is 'very difficult' to replicate anywhere else. 'We have Roses from many counties here tonight, but I think they would agree that out of all the events we had this year, this is the biggest and the grandest, and it says so much about the spirit of Cork city and Cork county,' he said. Mr O'Gara went on to say that the Rose of Tralee is about 'celebrating women'. 'The Rose of Tralee is about celebrating women with their families, their communities and their friends because women are being celebrated more – thankfully. 'The Rose of Tralee has led from the front for many years and making sure that women are recognised for being the leaders of our communities,' he said. He added that the 25 women competing for the sash were 'strong enough to come up here and be themselves'. '25 of them will leave the room tonight and none of them will be the lesser and they will all be the better for having got to know the friends they got to know here. 'They will all leave here as proud as they arrived,' he concluded. A total of €3,550 was raised for the chosen charity partner on the night, the Children's Health Foundation. The charity supports sick children and their families in Children's HeaIth Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in a number of ways, from funding vital life-saving equipment to supporting ground-breaking research. Ms Lehane will represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival from August 15 to 19.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Rose of Tralee once barred moms – 2025 entrant opens up about being a mother
Mayo Rose Clara Gardiner talks about being a mother in a competition that once barred single moms Clara Gardiner might think this writer is a dinosaur, a relic of the past for asking what it feels like being a mother taking part in a diverse festival such as The Rose of Tralee. The 24-year-old Mayo Rose is mother to Noah who turns three on August 7 – just days before his mom heads off on her epic Rose of Tralee tour around Ireland enroute to Tralee. The plan is to have Noah in Tralee waving at his mother during the famous parades on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Hilarious moment Alan Hughes confesses to taking item from VIP Style Awards
Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. The Ireland AM crew were discussing instances where items would go 'missing' from events and locations, and mysteriously re-appear in your home (the most famous instance being the cupboard in most Irish homes that are chock full of pint glasses that were yoinked from the pub!) While Muireann told viewers that stealing was bad, the presenters asked if any items were 'liberated,' especially while on holiday — and while everyone's nicked the mini soaps from the hotel bathroom, some viewers admitted to taking some impressive items; ranging from a silver tray that the Godfather of Soul James Brown ate off of (and signed), as well as glasses from the 1980 Rose of Tralee. Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. Pic: Virgin Media Television Alan even admitted to having sticky fingers of his own, most recently at the VIP Style Awards earlier this month. 'I took the flower centrepiece from the VIP Style Awards home,' Alan told a shocked Muireann and Tommy. 'They told me we could take them because they were all going to be thrown out!' while Tommy added 'this is why they love [stealing].' Alan said that he nabbed the white roses on the centrepieces, but admitted that he didn't actually take them home from the awards ceremony (imagine having to explain that to the taxi driver) — but rather got his husband Karl Broderick to do his dirty work for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) 'They said that they were going to [throw them out] — beautiful white roses in a bowl,' Alan said. 'I sent Karl down to get it!' Alan headed to the VIP Style Awards with husband Karl in tow, with Karl paying a special nod to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, which saw Ireland become the first country in the world to pass same-sex marriage via a popular vote. '@ style awards red carpet look,' Alan wrote on his Instagram. 'Great night as always and a huge thanks to @guyclothing for dressing both of us. Alan and his husband Karl stunned at the VIP Style Awards, with Karl paying a special tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'Love Karl's little nod to 10 years of marriage equality with his rainbow pocket sq.'
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘A celebration for the ages' -Former Rose of Tralee winner marries her 2016 escort at stunning ceremony in Chicago
FORMER Rose of Tralee winner Maggie McEldowney has married her escort John Slowey. The series back in 2016 after her third attempt at applying for the show. 3 John was Maggie's escort Credit: Social media 3 Maggie McEldowney was crowned the 2016 Rose of Tralee Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 3 John proposed to Maggie last year Credit: Social media At the time of the show, Maggie was dating Chicago Fire Service worker Jim FitzGibbon, who could not attend the festival due to work matters. Instead, John stepped in and escorted the Irish lady on her big day - and the rest is history. John And after just 10 months being engaged, the pair have exchanged their vows for each other. read more on rose of tralee The love birds got married last weekend on Saturday, May 24, in a beautiful ceremony in Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort in Chicago. They were surrounded by their loving family and friends, with many of them flying over from Ireland. The 36-year-old looked out-of-this-world wearing a fitted Justin Alexander white wedding gown from Eva's Bridal International. The fabulous sleeveless frock had a high neck with long train and delicate ruching in the front. read more on the irish sun She wore her luscious brunette locks in an elegant low bun and had a stylish veil over it. While John looked dapper wearing a white tux jacket, a white shirt, a pair of black trousers, a black dickie bow and black shoes. Rose of Tralee 2024 breaks silence The newly weds' photographer, Joy, uploaded some heart-melting snaps of them posing at the hotel's stunning grounds. Maggie and John looked more in love than ever as they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed. And while the big day was in America, they made sure to have a few Irish touches. They flew out John's Parish priest to say mass. The pair's friends were also said to play a few traditional tunes at the ceremony. The photographer gave fans a glimpse of what the day went like as she gushed over Maggie and John's love. Joy wrote: "I always say I have the sweetest couples — but Maggie and John, you two truly top the list. Kind, gracious, and full of heart… and if you don't believe me, just ask the 300 friends and family members who flew in from all over the world to celebrate their love. "Every detail of the day was thoughtful and elegant, and let's be honest — they both looked like absolute royalty. "But don't let the elegance fool you — these two know how to throw a party! That dance floor? Packed. And they tore it up. Thanks to some killer music from the live band. "Thanks for letting me celebrate with you both!!! Congratulations again." And friends and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and compliments. Megan wrote: "Absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations Maggie and John, so happy for you guys!!!" Elysha said: "So beautiful Maggie and John. Massive congratulations." One follower commented: "It's was a celebration for the ages!! So much fun. The joy of your two families uniting was evident all night long. Congratulations you two. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!" Siobhan added: "Such BEAUTIFUL pictures!! So happy for you both. Comhgairdeas mór!!"
Extra.ie
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Could Dáithí Ó Sé be the next host of RTE's Liveline? He's certainly not ruling it out
Daithi O'Se isn't ruling himself in OR out to replace Joe Duffy as the presenter of Liveline. The Today Show host, who this week emerged as the bookies' favourite to replace Joe Duffy on Liveline, says he isn't ruling out or in a move from TV to radio. Dingle broadcaster Daithi said he was as surprised as anyone to see he was leading the race to replace Duffy, who departs his role in June. Detailing the summer plans, the 46-year-old shared that he had his summer 'boxed off nicely' with four to five weeks with no plans. Pic: Instagram/ Daithi O'Se 'I just came off air and saw then 40 missed calls,' laughed Daithi, before adding 'but you're the only person I've called back.' News broke last week that Joe Duffy is set to leave the daytime phone-in show at the end of June, bringing a 27-year tenure to an end. The lucrative job will be highly sought-after by a whole host of broadcasting talent, and now Rose of Tralee host Dáithí has emerged as the frontrunner. The Kerryman has presented alongside Maura Derrane on the RTE One Today show for more than a decade. He also previously worked in TV with TG4, while he has also shone in the role of Rose of Tralee host since 2010. Joe Duffy. Pic: RTÉ Now, bookies have placed Daithi at 3/1 to replace Duffy, with an announcement expected from RTE over the summer. Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: 'The search continues for Joe Duffy's replacement, with many staying tight-lipped about it all. Daithí Ó Sé is now a contender for the show with his years of experience in the RTÉ frontline, and punters think he would be a perfect fit.' 'I'm as in the dark as anyone,' Daithi told but he did reveal that he has a high-level discussion scheduled with RTE bosses next month. 'All I know is that I'm meeting up with the bosses in the middle of June to discuss what's going on and going forward.' When pressed if these meetings had been in the world prior to Joe Duffy announcing his retirement, Kerryman Daithi said: 'I haven't heard anything. 'Well, it probably was really. We just said we would meet and have this whole kind of sit down and say 'okay, where are we going forward?,' Daithi revealed. But he says, while he is humbled, his name has been thrown into the mix, he is content with his current gig co-hosting The Today Show along with Maura Derrane and Sinead Kennedy. Pic: Instagram/ Daithi O'Se 'All I know is that I'm very happy where I am at the moment. The Today Show is going great. I think it's up 20% from this time last year. So that's huge. We're hitting between 25 and 30% share. Which is fantastic. ' And with bumper numbers, Daithi is delighted to wrap this season's show on such a high: 'We're finishing up a week Friday from the season. So it's great to wrap on a high.' As he begins to wind down for summer, dad-of-one Daithi says he's looking forward to enjoying some valuable family time with wife Rita and son. And it seems that for cheeky-chappy chat show host Daithi, it's a case of like father-like-son. 'He's a right little rogue. He's going into sixth class in September, then it's just one more year before he's off to secondary school.' But of course, Daithi's summer fun will break for his annual hosting of The Rose of Tralee. 'The Rose of Tralee just comes around so quickly every year.' And rebuking suggestions that the annual lovely ladies competition is out-dated Daithi says that the Rose's are true representatives of modern women. 'I truly do think that the Rose's are representative of what's happening in society at the moment,' said Daithi. 'When it comes to say jobs and career and when it comes to family life. Say going back to the 70s and 80s, you might have seen teachers or nurses, jobs that would have been perceived as female jobs.' 'Now you're talking about people in finance, you're talking about occupational therapists, you're talking about doctors, engineers, and you're talking about people who are single moms, people who have live-in partners. And we've had a gay Rose; roses gay, which is great,' said Daithi. ' So it's a real representative of what's going on in society in that particular year. And it's a celebration of Irish women. And I always say, when is the celebration of Irish women ever out of date? Never.' And so sure of Daithi in the enduring nature of the Rose of Tralee he says his mini-me son could one day oust him as host. 'You never know one day he might be taking over the presenting job.'
