Fermanagh Rose Aoife McCann
FERMANAGH Rose Aoife McCann is rallying her supporters to follow her to Portlaoise, Co Laois for the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival from today (Thursday) until Sunday.
The Maguiresbridge girl, who is a law student at Queen’s University in Belfast, won the Fermanagh heat at the Enniskillen Hotel last month.
Speaking to the Fermanagh Herald this week as she prepares to leave for Portlaoise, the 19-year-old admits she is beginning to feel nervous.
She will be joined by family, including her sister who is flying from England, as well as friends and her boyfriend.
She said: “I am nervous but I’m also in the middle of doing my exams so that’s taking over things at bit and is distracting me. My last exam was on Monday and then I’m heading down to Portlaoise on Wednesday (today).
“I’ve got five dresses for the three-day long event as well as getting my tan and nails done before I go.
“My life has changed quite a bit, people do recognise me which is weird. I have loved it all and don’t see it as a competition at all. I have met a lot of the other Ulster roses and we all help each other out and it’s been a great way of making friends. Whatever happens in Portlaoise I have had a great time so far.”
Rose of Tralee Host Daithi O Se will interview each of the 56 Roses over three nights before two Judging Panels select 23 Roses to go forward to the International Festival in Tralee in August.
The Regional Festival highlights include the official opening of the event in the Civic Plaza on Friday 29th, Vintage Car Parade of Roses and their Rose Buds followed by Streets Party on Saturday 30th and the annual visit to Abbeyleix and Castle Durrow this Sunday, 31st May.
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