LIFE-changing experiences come just once a year and that time has arrived for Irish women everywhere to get their skates on to enter the 2012 Rose of Tralee and fulfil their childhood dream.

The reigning Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot has had an amazing few months since she was crowned the winner in front of the third highest TV viewing audience of the year.

“It’s amazing how the smallest decisions sometimes lead us to the most extraordinary of places. My decision to enter the Queensland Rose back in March this year was one such small decision that I made in the hope that I would reconnect with the local Irish community, and perhaps make a friend or two along the way. The thought of winning the title of the International Rose of Tralee seemed almost mythical to me, so far very far removed from my own reality.  Nine months later, I find myself carrying my tiara and sash in my handbag, as if it were my purse, or my phone, and I have to say that it is an absolute dream come true,” she said.

The one million people tuning into watch the selection nights next August 20^th and 21^st will only catch a glimpse of each Rose’s amazing journey along the way to Tralee.

That journey starts in towns and villages all over Ireland! Selection events will be held in every county from March until June with the Regional Finals of the Rose of Tralee taking place in Portlaoise from June 1^st to 3^rd and the Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee from August 17^th to 21^st.

Each county has a different selection date and application deadline, so the best thing to do, is log on to www.roseoftralee.ie now to download an application form.

Any Rose of Tralee, from Alice O’Sullivan in 1959 to Tara Talbot in 2011, will say that the experience is the ultimate reward for anyone who enters the Rose of Tralee - regardless of the outcome in the Dome. However there are some great prizes on offer as well including - a World Travel Fund of €25,000 from the Pilot Training College, a treasure trove of Jewellery & Homeware from lead-sponsors Newbridge Silverware, the use of a car for the year, free accommodation at any Carlton Hotel in Ireland and much more.

Each lady who is chosen to become her county’s Rose will win a wonderful selection of prizes from Newbridge Silverware, Carlton Hotel Group and local event sponsors.

ESCORT OF THE YEAR 2012 to win €5000

“It’s not all about the ladies because behind every Rose is a swash-buckling young man and the doors are now open for young gentlemen aged between 21 and 30 to submit their application form to become Escorts at this year’s Festival,” said John Drummey, the Communications Manager with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

One lucky guy will be chosen as the Pilot Training College Escort of the Year live on TV when he will be presented with a cheque for €5,000!  Gentlemen can apply by filling in the online-form at www.roseoftralee.ie and return it with a non-refundable application fee of €25.  The closing date for all applications is (lucky for some) Friday 13th April.

Application forms and full details of how to become a Rose or Escort are available at www.roseoftralee.ie or contact the Rose of Tralee International Festival Office on 066-7121322 to find out who is organising a Rose Selection event near you.

Tara Talbot will be travelling the length and breadth of Ireland during the month of January to visit the communities who are the life-blood of the Rose of Tralee nationwide.

Ends

For interview requests please contact John Drummey on 087-7909487 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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

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