And the winner is … final countdown to crowning of this year’s Rose of Kilkenny
FINALLY, after a whirlwind few weeks of official engagements and events, the Rose of Kilkenny will be crowned tomorrow night.
Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel has been transformed into a giant beauty salon as the 26 Roses, who have been chosen after a series of events throughout the city and county in recent weeks, prepare for the much-awaited selection event.
Kilkenny Rose Coordinator Lyn Moloney confirmed to KilkennyNow.ie that hundreds of tickets have already been sold.
However, a small number of tickets for the event are still available, and anyone who wants to snap the fee remaining ones can purchase them at the customer service desk in the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, who are the main sponsor of this year’s event.
Some tickets may still be available at the door of the Ormonde Hotel tomorrow, but people are advised to get there early as soon as the door opens at 6pm to avoid disappointment.
Guests can look forward to a fun-filled night at the city-centre venue.
They will be treated to a free bar – courtesy of Brogan’s Bar – which will be set up in the hotel, serving Ballykeefe Gin and Tonics from the local award-winning distillery and bottles of beer.
The 26 Roses will take to the stage at 7.15pm, where they will be greeted and interviewed by the MC Ollie Turner from Galway FM, a comedian who’s a regular fixture on the Rose of Tralee circuit.
Some of the Roses will perform their very own party pieces, which should provide some interesting entertainment. Each of the finalists will be accompanied by their own ‘Rose Buds’, young local girls between the ages of five and 10.
There will also be prizes on the night for the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Man, so be sure to get the glad rags out!
A raffle will also be held in aid of a very good local cause, Michael’s Wonder Journey, a charity set up to help a ‘special little man’ who suffers from a very rare neuro disorder.
The winning Rose will go on to represent Kilkenny at the legendary Rose of Tralee International Festival in the last week of August.
PHOTOS: Anna Lalor
