Athboy Rose is fairest of them all

Dearbhla Gilroy, a primary school teacher from Athboy, was chosen as Meath's 2012 Rose Of Tralee representative at a gala night in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on Saturday. A 200-strong crowd attended to support and cheer on 14 Roses that took part. Each of the Roses took to the stage and were interviewed by MC Brendan Hennessy. A number of the Roses provided great entertainment with Emma Griffin playing a slow air on the fiddle, Áine Leonard showing her tennis skills, Fiona Sherlock reciting a self-composed poem 'Generation Recession', Rosalie Massey demonstrating her face-painting skills and Sinead Cook played Lady Gaga on the piano. Each Rose was put through an interview with the panel of three judges and, after judicious deliberation, it was decided that Dearbhla would represent Meath as the 2012 Meath Rose of Tralee. On returning to school on Monday, Dearbhla wore in her dress from the selection night and her sash to show her junior infants class. They, naturally, asked the million dollar question: did Ms Gilroy perform 'Postman Pat' or the 'Boa Constrictor' as her party piece? There to support Dearbhla on the night were her parents, Gerry and Margaret; her sister, friends and fellow teachers from St Ultan's National School, Bohermeen. Arrangements are already being made by Dearbhla's family and friends to make the trip to Portlaoise for the regional Rose of Tralee finals, where she will meet 26 other Irish centres and where six will be chosen to go forward to the international festival in Tralee in August.