Festival organisers in search of
Cypriot Rose
 By Elaine
Sheridan
With some 30 representatives taking in nearly 20 countries, Ireland’s
Rose of Tralee festival has well and truly gone global.
And now for the first time ever a search has begun for Cypriot Irish contestants
to take part in the annual competition which takes place in Tralee in
Kerry.
Organisers have arrived in the Mediterranean island to seek out young
women who might have what it takes to become the 2007 Rose.
Over the years Tralee has played host to contestants from as far away
as Australia and America and now it looks set to welcome Cyprus into the
fold.
Its inclusion is a sure sign that the Rose contest has grown in size and
stature since its inception in 1959.
Firmly established on the event calendar, the Rose of Tralee was born
from a love song written by William Mulchinock.
Newcastle International Rose of Tralee organiser Sheena Greeves —
who has been involved in the competition for the last six years —
said: “Today’s competition is certainly a far cry from the
very first festival in 1959 which saw Rose representatives from Tralee,
London, Dublin, Birmingham and New York.”
The cost of that first festival was only 750 punts. The growth of the
event is indicative in the budget which by 1965 had grown to 10,000 punts.
Mrs Greeves said: “It’s fantastic news that they are looking
for a Cypriot rose. It shows how the competition has expanded over the
last 50 years.
“It’s these other countries getting involved which will ensure
the future of what is essentially a fantastic festival.
“And the structure of this year’s event is set to be better
than ever. The organisers in Tralee really seem to have done their homework.”
Head of My-Signature Events Melissia Halpin has the task of encouraging
girls to take part in various heats in Cyprus and Greece.
She said: “It’s different from other beauty pageants in that
it is for ordinary girls.
“The judges spend a lot of time with the girls. They look for personality,
aptitude and charm and how the girls communicate and interact with people.
“Irish ancestry or connection is a pre-requisite and the connection
can go as far back as eight generations. Contestants must be at least
18 and not have reached their 28th birthday by August next year when the
final is held. We’re really looking forward to being part of this
prestigious event and if a Cyprus girl gets through it will be huge for
us.”
The current Rose is Australian Kathryn Feeney.
No centre has ever won the title in consecutive years and Dublin has won
the contest more than any other centre. Perhaps Cyprus will be in with
a chance next year.
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