Westmeath Rose returns after two-year hiatus

The iconic Rose of Tralee festival returns this year with more relaxed entry requirements and new aspects to take the festival back to the heart of Irish communities.

After a two-year pandemic-enforced hiatus, the Westmeath Rose Centre are excited to kick off the selection process for 2022: “We are delighted to be back and we are inviting applications for the 2022 Westmeath Rose now via the Rose of Tralee website,” says Fiona Moriarty, Westmeath Rose Centre co-ordinator.

The festival is entering a new era as it now welcomes applications from anyone who identifies as a female, is married, and the age limit has increased to 29.

Fiona said: “It’s about being inclusive – the festival has always been forward thinking, and now it is a safe and fun place for modern women in a modern world.”

This year’s Westmeath Rose selection is confirmed for Saturday April 9 in the Mullingar Park Hotel. “Our selection is fast approaching and we look forward to a fantastic night – tickets will be available from the Westmeath Rose Centre in the lead-up to the event.

“We want to express our appreciation to Josephine, Matt and all the team at the Mullingar Park Hotel who have been extremely helpful, accommodating and supportive, especially during the pandemic when we had to postpone,” said Fiona.

Another exciting aspect that is being developed for 2022 and the future is an initiative proposed by the festival to take the Rose of Tralee back into the heart of Irish communities. The festival are inviting community groups to participate in hosting a ‘fun’ Rose of Tralee selection in their locality, finding a Rose and Escort to represent the community at county level.

In turn they receive a generous donation to their community fundraiser or cause. ”The community aspect is something the festival is excited to be launching from 2022, and that’s about The Rose Of Tralee being part of community pride, fun and passion. We look forward to working on this and developing it in Westmeath,” Fiona said.

Applications for the 2022 Westmeath Rose are open now at roseoftralee.ie or contact the Westmeath Rose centre on their social media channels.

An information afternoon will be held on Sunday February 27 at 2pm in the Mullingar Park Hotel and anyone who is interested in applying is invited to attend.

The Westmeath Rose selection take place on Saturday April 9, 2022 in the Mullingar Park Hotel; tickets available from the Westmeath Rose Centre team – see facebook.com/westmeath.tralee/.