Sydney Rose Caitlin Macinante with her escort Alan Maguire from Rathowen at the Rose Hotel. Alan says his week as an escort at his year's festival was an unforgettable experience.

‘An incredible experience' - Westmeath Rose recounts her week in Tralee

Published: Fri 31 Aug 2018, 4:51 PM

Westmeath Rose recounts her week in Tralee

“It was the most incredible experience and I am just so grateful that I got to be part of it,” Leanne Quinn, the Westmeath Rose, said of her time in Tralee last week.

The country tuned in last Monday evening to see Leanne perform her party piece – squat lifting presenter Dáithí Ó Sé live on stage. A power-lifter and qualified fitness instructor who is studying for a Master’s in Sports Performance at UL, Leanne executed it admirably.

“I was delighted that I made it to the TV broadcast, more so for my family who all travelled down for it and they got to be in the Dome and be part of it all,” says Leanne.

“I did get to lift Dáithí, much to everybody’s surprise. He was a little nervous of course but it all went off very well.” (Continues below photo.)

Now back to studying for her Master’s, Leanne says: “I really can’t describe how great the experience was, it’s really something only the Roses, the escorts and the Rose of Tralee Panel can understand.

“It feels a little surreal, and there is a certain element of coming back down to earth. I feel like I have to clap for myself getting off the bus now that there’s no escorts around,” she jokes.

Friendships

“It’s an experience that I’m always going to have with me throughout the years. We all made such solid friendships and that’s unusual in a group of 57 that all come from completely different backgrounds, experiences and different interests.

“We threw ourselves into all the activities 100% and relished every minute of it. It’s such a unique experience and we all bonded through that.”

But it’s not the end, as Leanne will have a number of Rose duties to carry out throughout the course of the next year.

“It really feels like the start of it all because there are a number of appearances coming up, including the trip to Chernobyl with the Chernobyl Children International organisation, we have to apply for that, so I’ll have to wait and see if I’ll be going yet.

“But then there’s the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York next year, where all the 57 Roses will be appearing.”

Leanne is looking forward to returning to New York, where she first went in 2013 while living in Canada. She later lived there for four months.

“I worked in a place called Faces and Names just off Times Square, so I’d love to go a see the staff there again.

“I don’t know if they’d even remember me. But we are all going for the parade and are hoping to extend the trip by a few days to spend time with the Roses from there.”

Grateful for all the support she received, Leanne continues by saying that she would like to thanks all her friends, family and neighbours.

“Everyone who travelled to Tralee to support me, the good wishes, everyone who wished me well – I’d just like to say a big thank you to all for their support.”

Leanne on stage getting ready to lift Dáithí Ó Sé.

Westmeath Rose Leanne Quinn with her Rose Bud, Sarah.

Rose escort Alan Maguire from Rathowen at the Rose Hotel with the Sydney Rose, Caitlin Macinante. Alan says his week as an escort at his year’s festival was an unforgettable experience.