Martha loved it

Martha with Robbie

Martha Gilheany, 2010 Leitrim Rose, had "the time of my life" at the International Rose Festival, according to the Leitrim Observer. The article reveals Martha's experiences at the festival - e.g. what was the highlight at Tralee? - "When asked about the highlight from Tralee, Martha didn't hesitate in selecting the parade. She said it was "magical," she described the sky, the atmosphere, the crowds, the colourful floats and most importantly her support as "extraordinary."

Martha Escort during the festival was Robbie Costello, the same Robbie who won Escort of the Year. From the Observer - 'Martha paid tribute to her right hand man, Robbie Costelloe who won Escort of the Year in the Dome last Monday night. She said he was a "gentleman and so funny, he helped me relax when I got nervous" '.

Read more in the Leitrim Observer.

London, Tralee, Clare

The Irish Echo, from Australia, has more about London Rose Clare Kambamettu, 2010 International Rose of Tralee.

The site quotes Clare ' "It’s been an absolutely amazing week,” she said, “and what I’ve learned about the Rose of Tralee is that everything you think is going to happen, you just double it, and triple it, and add a million on to it and you get somewhere near what actually happens" '.

Visit the Irish Echo.

Less than 40 winks is good for you

How would you look in the morning if you only had 1.5 hours sleep? Not as good as Clare Kambamettu, 2010 Rose of Tralee. The photo appears in the Irish Times.
To quote from the article - '"It's in the unofficial job description. A Rose of Tralee must be able to party all night and emerge by breakfast looking as though she has had her full eight hours in the scratcher.So in keeping with tradition, London Rose Clare Kambamettu (26) from Co Kildare, the 52nd Rose of Tralee, turned up looking radiant, clear-skinned and sparkly eyed after 1½ hours of sleep yesterday morning.
By 9.30am she was on her fifth appointment of the day. “I went to bed at quarter past five and I’ve been up since before seven so it’s been a hectic couple of hours,” she smiled, her voice hoarse. “I’m just getting used to all this.”'

There's a lot more in the article - here.

A Trip to Tullamore

Danielle McBurnett, 2010 Arizona Rose, visited the town of Tullamore during her trip to Ireland, acording to the Offaly Express. Why Tullamore? Because it is twinned with Chandler, a town in Arizona. Simple really.

Read all about in the Offaly Express.

First Night Slideshow

Aisling Ryan, 2010 Queensland Rose, confuses Daithi

The Irish Independent brings us a great slideshow of the first night. One of the photographs is of Rose Talty, 2008 New Jersey Rose, who is Daithi's girlfriend.

Here is the slideshow.

More Pics - Second Night

Clare Kambamettu, London and International 2010 Rose

The Irish Independent has a very good slideshow of photographs of the Roses on the second selection night. Go here to view it.

Clare Kambamettu from London is the 2010 Rose!

Clare Kambamettu, London Rose and

2010 International Rose of Tralee