Holly McGuire, winner of the Rose of Tralee Midlands Summer Ball & Selection from Derby

HUNDREDS gathered in Solihull for the Midlands Rose of Tralee Summer Ball and Selection 2006. The event, held on Saturday 1 July at the Solihull Renaissance Hotel, was to select the Midlands Rose of Tralee - who will represent the region in the international contest in Tralee this August.
The Midlands selection saw seven Roses compete for the coveted title. They were Lisa Taylor (Birmingham), Claire Mulchinock (Leicester), Holly McGuire (Derby), Anna Brogan (Milton Keynes), Anne-Marie Keane (Coventry) Sinead Carroll (Sandwell) and Rosemarie Kinsella (Mansfield).
The day kicked off with private interviews with the judges – David O’Sullivan (chief executive of the Irish Post), Margaret Gales (Bank of Ireland), Margaret Mellor (Tourism Ireland) and Roisin Ni Chorri (last year’s North West Rose of Tralee).
The main sponsors of this year’s Midland event were Stena Line and the Irish Post.
Following the private interviews, the seven contestants also had to complete stage interviews and do a party piece of their own. Some sang, while others danced or recited poetry.
One of the team of organisers, Maria Cleary said: “On behalf of the Midland Committee, from myself and Teresa Melody, I would like to thank every one of the contestants on their composure and professionalism throughout the day. I would also like to extend thanks to our main sponsors and all other sponsors and the judges.”
Compere for the event was Sean O’Se and entertainment was provided by The Ranchers Showband from Manchester and Birmingham’s Scanlon School of Irish Dancing. The guest of honour was the International Rose of Tralee, Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain.
Guests at the event were piped in by the Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums.
Outlining the qualities expected of the winner, Maria added: “The judges were looking for an ambassador for young Irish women who will promote the ethos of the Rose of Tralee and be a role model for young Irish women across the world. They look for personality, charisma, stage presence, Rose potential and intelligence.”
Half of the proceeds of the Midlands Ball and Selection will go to the Haemochromotosis Society, a charity concerned with a condition called haemochromotosis. It is a genetic condition, which is particularly prevalent among Irish people. It sees an overload of iron in the body, which attaches itself to organs and can cause organ failure if not treated in time. If it is diagnosed and treated early sufferers can still enjoy a good quality of life but organisers of this event wished to increase awareness of this potentially devastating condition.

Holly McGuire taking the first dance with Jim Murphy	Organisers of the Midland Rose, Teresa Melody and Maria Cleary with current Rose of Tralee, Aoibhine Ni Shúilleabháin
The Judges on the night, left to right: David O’Sullivan (Irish Post), Roisin Ni Chorrai (North of England Rose 2005), Margaret Mellor (Tourism Ireland), Margaret Gales (Bank of Ireland and Chair of Judges)	Lisa Taylor being interviewed by compere for the night, Sean O’Se