The search for this year's Antrim Rose of Tralee 2023 launches this weekend.
This year's International Festival will take place from August 18 to August 22 and the selected Antrim Rose will be live on RTE.
Orlagh McClinton, Antrim Rose Co Ordinator and current Antrim Rose of four years said: “We at the Antrim Rose Centre are inviting all interested girls between 18 and 29 years old to reach out and put themselves forward to enter this year’s Antrim Rose selection.
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"As a new initiative we are inviting GAA, Camogie Clubs, Societies and local communities to partner with the Antrim Rose Centre and participate in local events and in return the Antrim Rose Centre will make a generous contribution to the local community or organisations involved."
She added: “Being a part of the Rose of Tralee community has created a platform in which I can connect with empowering Irish women from all corners of the world. The friendships that have blossomed and the connections made has opened my eyes to the true beauty of Ireland.
"I was deeply honoured to represent all that our county has to offer from the dynamic, vibrant Belfast City Centre to the serene landscapes of the Glens of Antrim and everything in between!
"The time has come to hand over this privilege to the next Antrim Rose as she embarks on her own very special journey contributing to the legacy that has been paved for over 60 years."
The Antrim Rose Selection will take place in the Hilton Belfast on Sunday, May 28.
The International Festival team are presently planning a host of events that traditionally take place in Tralee town, Co Kerry - including lights, parades, family entertainment, street performance and more.
Anthony O'Gara, the Executive Chair of the Festival, said: "The Rose of Tralee International Festival is strongly associated with great Irish women, Irish people, and local communities globally. I am delighted to announce that this legacy will continue, as we reveal our inspiring plans.
"Celebrating our Irish culture, and the positive contribution that Irish people make at home and abroad is a real privilege and we are most grateful for the incredible support we have received over the last 8 decades.
"As we look to the future, it is our goal to support the fundraising efforts of local Irish communities and to continue to showcase the incredible contribution of great Irish women globally.”
The new revised entry criteria for Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023:
Applicants can include -
1) AGE: 18 years of age by January 1st, 2023, and will not have reached your 30th birthday on or prior to September 1st, 2023.
2) STATUS: Single / Married or anyone identifying as female is welcome to enter.
3) IRISH DESCENT: Be an Irish citizen or of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland. For applicants residing outside the island of Ireland - be living in the region you wish to represent for a minimum of one year and recommend that if selected as the Rose that you will remain resident in this region for the following 12 months
4) HISTORY: Never have previously represented any Centre as a Rose in the Regional Festival or International Rose of Tralee Selection. Be available for Rose Selection events and if selected be available for International Festival events.
5) ENTRY FEE: An entrant sponsorship fee of €250 is required for entrants based in Ireland.
For further details contact Orlagh on 07841905730 or visit the Antrim Rose on social media.
Applications to enter the 2023 Rose of Tralee are now officially open.
You can also visit www.roseoftralee.ie or email Orlagh at Antrimrosecentre@roseoftralee.ie.
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