Longford Rose reflects on her ‘magical’ time representing county

Since twenty-three years old Grace was chosen as Longford's first Rose since 2019 she's been on a helter skelter journey to Tralee via some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. That trek brought Grace and her 31 companions to Longford, the first time the county featured on the Rose's itinerary.

The young lady gushed about the experience: “It was so, so good. Everything. The girls, the escorts, the rosebuds, the parade, the fireworks, it was just class. People told me how enjoyable it was, but it's only when you are in the middle of it that you appreciate how good it is. I was in Tralee as a child, but it's so much more magical when you're a part of it. The kids who are looking for your autograph and photograph. It's so cute. You just feel so loved.”

Grace is halfway through her Higher Diploma in Midwifery at Trinity College and the Coombe Hospital. As part of her course she was back at work on Monday: “It was a bit of a return to earth,” she laughs.

As one of 14 Irish and 18 international girls taking part she has lived in a bubble the last month: “You are with the other 31 girls all the time. It's like a big sleepover in a hotel with all your friends. It was madness, but a good madness.”

Criticisms about the Festival being “outdated” are dismissed by Grace: “I can see how people may think that if they just watch the show, but it's much more than what you see on TV.

“So much goes on behind the scenes. You get to know the girls over the whole summer, all the lead up was class. When you are involved in it you see how much goes into it.”

“It's constantly changing. Bringing in Kathryn Thomas as a presenter is an example of that. The Festival is all about women, so adding a female presenter was a good move. People are always going to make comments like that, but it is progressive.”

The glitz of the event was quite appealing to the Longford Rose: “Everyone had their own style. I loved the glamour of it; getting dressed up, the head pieces, the heels everything like that. That is me.

"I really enjoyed that part. It was full of glamour, but there were times it was less so. In Longford we went go-kart racing, in overalls and helmets. We also did zip-lining, we chased sheep on a farm, so it was quite a mix.”

This is not the end of Grace's Rose journey: “I will be the Longford Rose for the next two years. I will be the ambassador for Longford. I undertake all the duties I have had over the summer.

“I won't be on stage next year, but I will be down in Tralee. I will soak it all in, and continue to enjoy being the Longford Rose.”
Grace concluded by commending the people of Longford for their support: “I just want to say thanks to everyone. Bringing the Rose tour to Longford was a big thing.

“Not every county gets to show off their best part. I was so proud to bring the other girls to Longford, people came out in their droves.”