‘Twas the truth in her eye ever beaming that made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee’.. so that’s what they’re looking for.
The Irish have a thing about eyes (When Irish Eyes Are Smiling) and my own Dear Mum would remind me I have her black Irish eyes.
And Marys (Mary from Dungloe from her beloved Donegal).
So it would probably help your chances of winning the Rose of Tralee were you named after Our Lady.
Irish Rose
So, what other qualities will tonight’s newly-cr0wned Rose of Tralee possess?
Well, only the attributes relayed in the song: ‘lovely and fair’ and ‘all smiling.’
The festival is an international celebration of world Irishism.
With cailíns from New York to New Zealand and a cousin tried to get on the roster) vying to outlovely and outfair each other.
Before going out to spread the word in the year of their reign.
Of course Ireland’s best export is their people and Tralee and Kerry’s charms are already known the world over.
But no harm to have a reprise.
Rose of Tralee Trail
Now you’re not in Ireland if it hasn’t got a trail.
And we all know the well-told self-deprecating tale of the visitor who asks for directions.
And is told: ‘Sure I wouldn’t start from here.’
Of course the good folk of Tralee have more cop-on that and have their own Rose of Tralee Trail for you to trek.
It’s a gentle 10km walk which they recommend you set a couple of hours for.
You’ll set out from the Rose Hotel and make your way through Tralee Town Park, or the Green as it’s known to the locals.
With the centrepiece obviously the statue of the original Mary, Mary O’Connor, and her suitor.
All the while admiring the glorious flowers, with roses obviously the predominant bloom.
The First Rose of Tralee
Of course the festival is the highlight of the Kerry social calendar, and further afield.
And obviously everything stops for the five days and nights of entertainment, much of which is free.
This includes live music, concert style on the Denny Street stage, the Rose Dome, and in the town’s pubs.
So what of Mary O’Connor?
Well, we’re indebted to Patricia O’Reilly, who wrote The First Rose of Tralee.
And tells us that she was a shoemaker’s daughter from Brogue Lane who lived in the town in the 1840s.
She was so beautiful that William Mulchinock, the young master from the big house, fell in love with her.
And wrote the ballad which we know and is the festival’s signature tune.
Bloomin’ lovely it is too, just like our Rose of Tralee.