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Rugby-loving Claire scores Derby Rose of Tralee goal!  STUDENT,
rugby fan and Rose.
Claire McGinley has been crowned Derby Rose Of Tralee for 2007.
And the 24-year-old occupational therapist student admitted she couldn’t
be more surprised.
“I can’t believe it,” she said after taking the title
at a packed selection evening. “It’s wonderful.”
The Donegal girl was chosen from nine entrants to represent Derby at the
British final in Birmingham later this year.
She was cheered on by friends from the University of Derby who turned
out in force to back their favourite.
“I’m so pleased,” said Claire. “It’s been
a great evening and I’m delighted to have won.”
Claire is currently captain of the university’s women’s rugby
team and is active in encouraging other girls to get involved in the sport.
Already she has been chosen by the Rugby Football Union to be part of
its Go Play Rugby campaign and is active in creating links between the
university and other bodies in Derby.
And away from the rugby field Claire is also a huge fan of Donegal GAA
— and likes to get back home as often as she can.
She is due to finish her course at the end of this year and then hopes
to find work within the Derby and Nottinghamshire area.
But before that there’s the small matter of heading to Birmingham
to compete for a place at the International Rose of Tralee Festival.
And outgoing Derby and British Rose Holly McGuire has no doubt she’ll
be a superb contestant.
Holly who loved her journey to Tralee last year said: “She’s
a superb choice and I’m sure will do well.
“She has a great personality and is a special girl. I’m sure
she’s going to enjoy every minute of her time as Derby Rose.”
But for the time being Claire is just happy to enjoy the moment and savour
her success.
“It’s great,” she said. “I’m so very happy
and looking forward to the coming year. It’s been a brilliant evening.”
n See pages 8-9 for Birmingham and Newcastle’s Rose celebrations.
Plus don’t miss next week’s Irish Post for more pictures from
Derby.
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