Search now underway to find the 2012 Rose of Tralee.

LIFE-changing experiences come just once a year and that time has arrived for Irish women everywhere to get their skates on to enter the 2012 Rose of Tralee and fulfill their childhood dream.
The reigning Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot has had an amazing few months since she was crowned the winner in front of the third highest TV viewing audience of the year.
“It’s amazing how the smallest decisions sometimes lead us to the most extraordinary of places. My decision to enter the Queensland Rose back in March last year was one such small decision that I made in the hope that I would reconnect with the local Irish community, and perhaps make a friend or two along the way. The thought of winning the title of the International Rose of Tralee seemed almost mythical to me, so far very far removed from my own reality.  Nine months later, I find myself carrying my tiara and sash in my handbag, as if it were my purse, or my phone, and I have to say that it is an absolute dream come true,” she said.

The one million people tuning into watch the selection nights next August 20th and 21st will only catch a glimpse of each Rose’s amazing journey along the way to Tralee.
That journey starts in towns and villages all over Ireland! Selection events will be held in every county from March until June with the Regional Finals of the Rose of Tralee taking place in Portlaoise from June 1st to 3rd and the Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee from August 17th to 21st.

Each county has a different selection date and application deadline, so the best thing to do, is log on to www.roseoftralee.ie  now to download an application form.
Any Rose of Tralee, from Alice O’Sullivan in 1959 to Tara Talbot in 2011, will say that the experience is the ultimate reward for anyone who enters the Rose of Tralee - regardless of the outcome in the Dome. However there are some great prizes on offer as well including - a World Travel Fund of €25,000 from the Pilot Training College, a treasure trove of Jewellery & Homeware from lead-sponsors Newbridge Silverware, the use of a car for the year, free accommodation at any Carlton Hotel in Ireland and much more.

Each lady who is chosen to become her county’s Rose will win a wonderful selection of prizes from Newbridge Silverware, Carlton Hotel Group and local event sponsors.

So will you be the next Mayo Rose?  For applications forms and further information, contact Donnacha Roche at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on 094 9023111 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The Selection night is Friday 27th April and will be compared by iRadio’s Fergal Darcy.