Last year’s winner Kerrie Doherty from Birmingham with the organisers of the Midlands Rose of Tralee event, Teresa Melody and Maria Cleary

All over the Midlands, eager young and talented Irish women have been awaiting their fate as to who will be crowned the regional winners of The Rose of Tralee Contests. We have a new Rose in Birmingham, Lisa Taylor, The Leicester title went to Clare Mulchinock, Sandwell's Rose is Sinead Carroll and The Derby Rose is Holly McGuire. That leaves Coventry, Mansfield and Milton Keynes waiting to find their Rose of Tralee.
Each of these deserved Ambassadors will proudly represent their region at the Glittering Midlands Rose of Tralee Summer Ball and Selection and one lucky recipient will be crowned MIDLANDS ROSE OF TRALEE 2006. They will take the title from the current Midlands and former Birmingham Rose of Tralee 2005, Kerrie Doherty.
The Midlands Rose of Tralee will then represent the Midlands UK at The International Rose of Tralee Festival in Tralee, County Kerry from Friday 18th August - Tuesday 22nd August. The International Rose will receive a multitude of prizes. She will get to travel all over Ireland and to visit Rose Centres all over the world including America and Australia. She will represent a charity of her choice and make guest appearances at various events and on television. Most importantly she will be an ambassador not only for The Rose of Tralee International Festival but also for Ireland and Ireland's sons and daughters all over the world!
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is based on a love song by Mr William Mulchinock, a nineteenth-century wealthy merchant who was in love with his maid, Mary. Due to their social differences their romance was discouraged. This led to William emigrating. Upon his return some time later, he discovered that his sweetheart had died of tuberculosis. He was broken hearted and expressed his love for Mary in the words of The Rose of Tralee song!
The International Rose of Tralee Festival has reached its 47th year. During that time England has had four International Roses. It is high time that the title was brought home to this country again. England will be represented by three roses, a North West Rose, a Midlands Rose and a London Rose.
After the huge success of last year's relaunch in the Midlands this high profile Rose Ball will take place again at The Renaissance Hotel in Solihull. Tickets are limited, so should you wish to secure your tickets please contact MARIA CLEARY ON 07779 358123 OR TERESA MELODY ON 07966286453. Tickets are priced at £40 for a sumptuous meal. Dancing will be to The Mighty Ranchers, one of the UK's finest showbands.
The Midlands Committee is thrilled to announce that The International Rose of Tralee, Aoibhinn Ni Shulleabhain will be in attendance as our guest of honour. In addition to this I am proud to announce that The Scanlon School of Irish Dancing will be enchanting the audience with an exhibition of Irish Dancing. We will also be welcoming back the magnificent Birmingham Pipes and Drums Band to delight everyone. Our compere for the evening will be the very entertaining Sean O’Se from County Cork.
As with every voluntary organ-isation our success is heavily dependant on the support that we receive. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of last year’s sponsors for their most generous contributions. If any sponsors wish to feature an advert in our glossy brochure, please contact myself or Teresa. Come along and support all of the roses, you are guaranteed to have a fabulous night!
Many thanks to The Harp for its continued support.