The three winners going to Tralee representing Birmingham, Liverpool and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne; Aimee Porch, Hannah O’Neill, Norette Kearney

Sandwell’s Rose of Tralee Centre at Sandwell Irish Society is pleased to announce that Claire Diamond has taken her place as the 2007 Sandwell Rose of Tralee. The lucky opportunity for 24 year old Claire to take on this important role came about when the original young woman selected felt unable to sign the information and guidance that Roses are expected to follow.
“I feel honoured to be in a position to represent the Irish community, also the wider community in Sandwell and the Black Country, and look forward to my year as the Sandwell Rose” said Claire, who is originally from Lavey, County Derry in Northern Ireland, and now lives in Wolverhampton.
Over 180 people turned out on a cold, wet, wintry evening on 11th May to attend the Selection event at Birchley Social Club, including Sandwell’s Mayor Councillor Mrs. Sadie Smith and her Consort Mr. Tony Fowler. They enjoyed an evening of music, singing and dancing, with entertainment provided once again by The Hurling Boys, a recitation from well known poet extraordinaire Michael Collins and displays of Irish dancing from some enthusiastic young members of our community.
This prestigious event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of many local businesses and companies. These include, in alphabetical order, Ace Express Freight, Great Bridge; Allied Irish Bank, Birmingham; Bank of Ireland, Birmingham; M. and A. Doocey Civil Engineers, Tipton; Goldbrook Property Ltd, Bearwood; The Harp, Birmingham; The Irish Post, London; Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham; West Bromwich Building Society, West Bromwich; Ye Olde Robin Hood Inn, Ironbridge as well as the following individuals and businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and auction – Sally and John Cowman, Bearwood; Daisy Del Fine Foods, Bearwood, The Harp, Birmingham, T.C. Hayes, Bearwood; The Lutley Oak, Halesowen; McAuliffe Civil Engineering, Bilston. Their generosity is very much appreciated and we hope that you are able to support them in the way they have supported our community.
Seven young ladies took part in the Selection and, as was evident after their stage interviews, each and every one of them had the character, the personality, the charisma and the poise as well as pride in their Irish roots to be the Sandwell Rose. Escorts Peter and Kieran Ronan had the pleasurable job of looking after the girls throughout the evening. The brothers looked elegant in their tuxedos and ensured that the girls were escorted to their stage interviews in a gentlemanly manner. The retiring Sandwell Rose Sinead Carroll was also on hand to lend her support for the evening.
Three judges interviewed each entrant privately, and afterwards on stage by master of ceremonies Brian Seymour-Smith of West Bromwich Building Society, before the judges, Ms. Maggie Stilliard, who is Head of English at St. Paul’s School for Girls in Birmingham, Mrs. Siobhan Watson and Mr. Jon Myles, who is Editor of The Irish Post, made their decision.
Organiser of the event, Siobhan Gorman from Sandwell Irish Society, said “Claire will be invited to attend numerous functions and take part in many community events, which I am sure she
will enjoy. I look forward to working with her throughout the coming year”.
Claire now goes forward to the British Regional Final to be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Solihull on 9th June, during which three young women from different centres around the country will be
selected to go to Tralee, County Kerry in the south-west of Ireland and take part in the Rose of
Tralee International Final to be held there in August.
The British Regional Final will be compered by Bob Brolly who, as many of you will know, hosts the Sunday afternoon Irish programme on BBC’s Radio WM. Bob and his band will provide the music for this prestigious evening, which includes a sumptuous four course dinner in fabulous surroundings. Tickets for the event, which cost £40.00, can be obtained by telephoning the Rose of Tralee International Festival office in Tralee on 00353 66 71 21322. Special rates have been negotiated for overnight accommodation at the hotel and full breakfast; use of the swimming pool, sauna and other facilities is included in the price.
The Rose of Tralee is well established as a vibrant community event in many parts of the world, connecting the global Irish community in a celebration of shared culture. The Sandwell event was one of many taking place during recent weeks in Irish communities around the world in the build-up to the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which this year will celebrate forty-eight years in bloom from 17th to 21st August. It has been held annually since 1959, is one of Europe’s foremost festivals, justifiably famous for its variety of entertainment staged on the streets and in the Festival Centre, including a fireworks finale and marching bands, and attracts many thousands of visitors to the area.
Over 30 young women from several countries across the globe will take part in the Final, which will be hosted by Ray D’Arcy and televised live by RTÉ One television on Monday 20th August and Tuesday 21st August. Prior to the International Final, all of the young ladies will be whisked around Ireland on a special Rose Tour, visiting many exciting places, meeting many interesting people and enjoying the warmth and friendliness of Irish hospitality along the way. hey will also have the opportunity to attend the International Gala Rose Ball, the Rose Parade and the Newbridge Silverware (main sponsors of the event) Fashion Show.