Katie carries local hopes in Rose of Tralee regional festival

Westmeath Rose, Katie Murphy is rallying her supporters to follow her to Portlaoise for the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival from May 29 to June 1.

“Since my selection as the Westmeath Rose I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends and the wider community,” said Katie. “There is a real sense that ‘we’re all in this together’. Next stop is Portlaoise for the regional festival and I am really excited to see what’s in store for the weekend.

“I am most looking forward to meeting the other 59 Roses and of course taking to the stage for an interview with one of Ireland’s most popular men – Dáithí Ó Sé. I have always had an ambition to enter the Rose of Tralee but I suppose it is difficult to put yourself forward for something like the Rose, which can certainly take you out of your comfort zone.

“That said, this year I decided I would live life to the fullest, have no regrets and take every opportunity that comes my way – which was well and truly kickstarted at the Westmeath selection night at the Annebrook Hotel.”

It will be an extremely busy week-end for Katie, who lives with Cystic Fibrosis. She plans to run the Dublin Mini Marathon along with a possee of friends to raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and to this end she has organised a fundraising table quiz in Caffrey’s bar, Mount Street, Mullingar on this Friday night, May 23.

If anyone would like to make a donation to the girls’ cause you can do so online at www.mycharity.ie/event/mullingar_girls_for_cf/