Schoolteacher is Meath"s 2009 Rose

Schoolteacher Ciara Beagan from Dunshaughlin is the Meath Rose of Tralee entrant for 2009. The 25 year-old was chosen at a gala selection night in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on Easter Sunday night, when 18 Rose candidates took to the stage with MC Brendan Hennessy to share their stories, interests and hobbies. Amongst the entrants showing their talents were Aishling McGroary, who danced a reel; Aoife Stanley, who line-danced; Keara Kelly, who gave a great rendition of Johnny Cash"s 'Falsom Prison", and Jessica Reinthal, who rounded up the evening of performances with the Peggy Lee classic 'Fever". The ultimate choice was a very tough decision for the three judges, Michelle Brennan, 2005 Kilkenny Rose; Ian O"Brien, 2003 Rose of Tralee escort and chairperson of the panel, and Caroline Byrne, but they eventually chose Ciara Beagan. Ciara is currently teaching Irish and French in a secondary school in Dublin, and admitted to be 'bursting with pride' at having been selected. Among those helping her celebrate when regional director Steve Cronly called out her name were her parents, Michael and Mary, and brother, Niall. She will now go on to the regional finals of the Rose of Tralee in Portlaoise on the June bank holiday weekend, were she will meet 30 other Roses from across the country. Six Roses will be selected from this group to go forward to the International Rose Festival in Tralee on the third week of August. Local organiser Kate Markey thanked the Meath Chronicle, the Newgrange Hotel and all the sponsors of the Roses, as this event would not be able to happen without the help and support of local business and sports clubs.