Down First

Lisburn Today (Ulster Star) brings us up to date with news of the 2010 Down Rose Gemma Murphy. It appears that Gemma is the first Down Rose in 51 years to reach the finals in Tralee. I think Gemma under sells herself slightly when she says (per the article) '"I will be nervous about the TV part because I have never been on stage before. It is not something I am used to, I hate being the centre of attention. It will be a ten minute conversation so I will just try to forget I am on TV. I am nervous that I might fall over or something but once I get started I'm sure it will be fine"'.

Visit the Lisburn Today site for the rest of the article.

Broadsheet Roses

the view from Broadsheet

The site Broadsheet brings you a slide show of some of the 2010 Roses. You should then browse Broadsheet - it should bring a smile to your face.

Daithi and Dublin

From the pages of the Herald we find Niamh Sherlock, 2010 Dublin Rose, with Daithi (you never see Daithi in a pic with another man!). The article tells us about her boyfriend (not Daithi!) and her plans for the coming Festival week.

More About Donal

Probably the best aricle about an Escort is the one in the Galway Advertiser. It gives a thorough profile of Donal Gill. Just to give you a flavour of the report '"As the girls were being interviewed the lads were also interviewed by Rose of Tralee delegate, Ollie Lawlor,” he says. “He and the girls chose the escort to go to Tralee to represent Roscommon. When I was chosen I was totally shocked. I had a fantastic night at the selection so it was an added bonus to be chosen. My full compliments go to the Roscommon Rose Committee, they put on a great night"', and "It was fantastic to meet the other lads, they were a sound bunch. It was good to be able to put faces to the names. It was an activity-based weekend with canoeing, kayaking, etc. The organisers also outlined the expected attire for the festival. A lot of it you would have yourself ordinarily. I had most of it myself. You are asked to look sharp, clean and casual"

You really should read the story - here.

Daithi Gets Rose Support

There is no stopping Daithi's progess. This pic and the following quotes come courtesy of IFTN.Their article includes the following quote '"We were in RTÉ,” he explains, “and the girls brought the sunshine with them. There was a big photocall with lots of photographers so we had a bit of fun with the girls chasing after me and sprinkling rose petals on my head. They’re a great gang of girls and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in the coming days"' and also this '"The new host has admitted some slight issues have already risen as to his rapport with the 32 roses. “A few of the foreign Roses have admitted that they’ve watched some clips of me online to try to get a handle on my accent,” he says. “Hopefully they’ll be fluent by the time they join me on stage.” '

The IFTN is an interesting website - go there to find out about those people behind the RTE TV production.

The Daithi Show

He's everywhere! Daithi on the run, pic from Metro.

Leitrim Rose gets ready

Martha Gilheany, 2010 Leitrim Rose, is ready for the Rose Festival according to the Leitrim Observer. Just this week her itinerary includes "Tomorrow night we have a photo shoot with Daithi O Se and interviews with RTE. This week we fit in visits to Newbridge to sort out jewellery, we have lunch with ambassadors, visit Kilmainham Jail and the Guinness Brewery," before they move on to Ballinasloe, Birr, Banagher, Clare and Limerick. This Friday, August 20 the Roses arrive in Tralee, where the party really gets started. "It is going to get even crazier in Tralee, it moves up to fifth gear there," Martha explained. Each day is scheduled from 10am until 11pm with the judges watching their every move" - taken from the article.

Read more, a lot more, at the Leitrm Observer.