When I was selected as the 2009 Toronto Rose in May of this year, I truly had no idea what an incredible experience I was in for – nothing could have possibly prepared me for the excitement, the friendships, and the hospitality I was met with in Dublin at the beginning of my adventure. Upon our first introductions, all of the Roses were boggled by how many of us there were. We wondered how on earth we would remember fifty centres, let alone fifty names! As I slowly got to know each Rose, I was blown away by how much personality, flare, and sophistication each Rose had, and I was honoured to be in the company of so many talented and successful women. Our journey was one of many pictures, many laughs, many stories and many songs!
From our fascinating day trips all over the country to the glamorous evenings we shared with our escorts, each day was full of new surprises and warm welcomes wherever we went. We travelled through counties Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and of course the Kingdom itself, County Kerry. Each stop along the way, we were met with family support, big hugs and handshakes, and lots of cheers, waves and smiles. Our onlookers were met with a parade of excited Roses, each of us dressed in our finest, and wearing our sashes with pride.
The Rose of Tralee has given me memories that will last a lifetime. Remarkably, by the end of the festival I did know each of the 50 Roses, and not only by their names – a feat I though might be impossible in such a short period of time, but was easily overcome through our shared experiences and new friendships. Being the Toronto Rose for 2009 is truly a special privilege and a great pleasure. I most enjoyed representing our Toronto-Irish community at the Festival this year, and am delighted to be part of such a tradition which celebrates an incredible calibre of individuality, national pride, and good craic!
