IRELAND’S most famous national and internationally acclaimed festival will start 2011 with a new leader at the helm, Tralee-native Oliver Hurley.

Anthony O’Gara, the Managing Director of the Rose of Tralee International Festival has appointed him as the General Manager of the organisation and he has asked Oliver to take over the responsibility of managing the event.

In becoming General Manager of the world renowned festival, Oliver Hurley said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Rose of Tralee International Festival through these ambitious times and build on the huge success that was created by so many people over the past 52 years. I have a strong sense of belief in the festival and all that it stands for and with my theatrical background I hope to bring creativity and strong production values to the event. As a team we intend to continue the development of new centres worldwide which have tripled in recent times while also maintaining the world-class standard of the August festival.”

He has gained valuable experience as the Operations Manager of the Rose of Tralee since 2004 and during his six years in that role he has been instrumental in producing a world-class Festival including the spectacular 50 years celebrations in 2009. 

Anthony O’Gara is to become the Executive Chairman of the Rose of Tralee International Festival with a broader and strategic role in guiding the organisation forward. He will continue to work closely with the lead sponsors Newbridge Silverware and other major sponsors including RTÉ and The Carlton Hotel Group. Mr O’Gara will also be instrumental in progressing the development of a permanent structure in Tralee to replace the Dome.

“Having worked closely with Anthony over the past six years it has become clear to me that this festival embraces all that is positive about being Irish. I have always had a strong passion for the Rose of Tralee, having grown up with the festival from a young age.  I never realised that I would someday day be in the fortunate position to oversee its development and hopefully watch it continue to flourish for many years to come,” said Oliver Hurley.

Highly respected at local level as well as nationally in the Irish entertainment and arts industry, Oliver Hurley began his theatrical career at the age of nine as a performer with Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. He subsequently became the Artistic Director of the Company from 2000-2005 and he established The Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre in 2005. A twice winner of the Award for Best Director at the AIMS National Awards Ceremony, Oliver’s winning mentality will be of great benefit to the Festival and to the town of Tralee. 

He said that he is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the Rose of Tralee in the current economic crisis: “We are living through a challenging time and it is vital that we connect as a global Irish community to embrace the Festival as a means of generating economic growth for the town of Tralee. I urge all local people within the business, social and sporting sectors to continue to support the event while I look forward to continuing working with the extremely talented and dedicated team now in place. I hope that the festival will continue to grow and remain a vital part of our heritage for many years to come.”

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place 19th to 23rd August 2011. The 2011 Rose will be crowned in the Dome and live on RTÉ TV on Tuesday August 23rd. Tickets to the Rose Selections, Rose Ball and Fashion Show can be reserved now from www.roseoftralee.ie or by phone on 00353-66-7121322. 

Ends

For further details, interview or image requests please contact John Drummey, Communications Manager, Rose of Tralee International Festival, on 00353-87-7909487 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photographs available free of charge from Domnick Walsh Photography – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Issued by John Drummey Communications on behalf of the Rose of Tralee International Festival

---

Share this page via...