Athboy Rose Dearbhla set for regional finals

Athboy's Dearbhla Gilroy could become the first Meath Rose to reach the televised stages of the Rose of Tralee when she takes part in this weekend's regional finals of the pageant from 1st to 3rd June in Portlaoise. "I just can't wait to sample the atmosphere of the event in Portlaoise," the young teacher said this week. "The experience has been amazing so far and I really can't wait to meet the other 52 other Roses from all over the world, especially the Down Rose, Una Matthews, who will be my roommate for the weekend," said Dearbhla, who will take to the stage towards the end of the third selection night on Sunday 3rd June. The regional finals of the Rose of Tralee will bring together Roses from the USA, Ireland, Britain, Europe, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The selection nights in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel will be hosted by Dáithí " Sé. It will be Dáithí's last public engagement before his wedding to 2008 New Jersey Rose, Rita Talty, in July. There will be a carnival atmosphere in Portlaoise over the weekend as the Roses and their families visit some well-known local landmarks such as Castle Durrow, Emo House and Gardens, Killenard Golf Club and a range of entertainment events in the local hostelries. If Dearbhla qualified from the regional finals this weekend, she will then take part in the 2012 Rose of Tralee International Festival from Friday 17th to Tuesday 21st August in Co Kerry.