CAN the Rose of Tralee International Festival make a major impression on the biggest global platform on St Patrick’s Day? Well, according to the US President Barack Obama, “Yes it can!”

Clare Kambamettu, the 2010 Rose of Tralee has received a personal invitation from Mr Obama and his wife Michelle, to join them at the White House for their St Patrick’s Day festivities.

The Communications Manager for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, said: “In joining a list of famous celebrities from the world of entertainment, politics and other walks of life on such a high profile occasion, Clare will fly the flag for Ireland’s top International Festival. This invitation again confirms how highly the Rose of Tralee is regarded at the highest level and how important the Festival is to the overall link between Ireland and the United States for industry and tourism.

In addition to her visit to the White House to meet the President, Clare Kambamettu will meet the new Taoiseach Enda Kenny at a Business Networking Lunch hosted by the Irish Ambassador.

Clare Kambamettu’s trip to Washington DC on March 17th will take place after she leads the St Patrick’s Day Parade in London on Sunday 13th March. That parade will mark the beginning of a major drive throughout Britain to promote tourism in Kerry.

“The Rose of Tralee International Festival is the only Irish event that can promote Kerry and Ireland as a tourism destination simultaneously to a worldwide market on St Patrick’s Day. Roses representing Carlow, Tipperary, Dublin, Cork, Sunderland, San Francisco, Boston and Philadephia will join the current New York Rose for the 250th Year celebrations at the world’s largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York on March 17th,” said John Drummey.

Once again, Kerry Senator Mark Daly has been instrumental in co-ordinating the Rose of Tralee’s St Patrick’s Day schedule in Washington DC.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from 19th to 23rd August and the National Finals of the Rose of Tralee will be held in Portlaoise from 3rd to 6th June.

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