Westmeath Rose of Tralee representatives counting down last two weeks

The two Westmeath representatives for this year’s Rose of Tralee festival are busy making preparations now in the final countdown, and say they’re looking forward to the experience.

Killucan man Thomas Callaghan is a Rose Escort this year. His job is in sales with Expert Electrical in Mullingar and he invited Westmeath Rose Grace O’Connor to the shop yesterday afternoon, to present her with some gifts and as a way of thanking his employer and other sponsors for their support.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Thomas said: ”I’m really looking forward to the journey down in Tralee. It’s in two weeks’ time, and we’ll be going down on the Wednesday.

“It’s fantastic to have Grace here today as well, to meet her and to represent Expert. They’ve been very good to me with sponsorship, and support throughout my journey so far.

“I’d like to thank everybody as well at home and throughout the community for buying raffle tickets and supporting me in any way that they can.”

Grace has been particularly busy fulfilling her duties as Westmeath Rose, and she knows there is plenty more to come.

In the final weeks before heading to Tralee, she and her mother Deirdre are going through the lists sent by the organisers to make sure they have all the requirements covered, from clothes of various styles and degrees of formality, to schedules and everything else that goes with being a Rose.

Grave has been talking regularly to the last Westmeath Rose, Rachel Duffy, who was the Rose of Tralee, and has been delighted to have her advice and guidance.

“I want to say thank you to everyone for all their support so far,” said Grace. “It’s been absolutely overwhelming. Everyone has just been so nice and so great.

“So thanks very much to everybody, and thanks very much to all my sponsors as well. They’ve all been a great help towards it all. Thanks very much also to my community and my family and friends.”