Night one of the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival is in the record books, and what a night it was for our Laois Rose.
Sinéad Dowd was one of the 32 Roses appearing across the two-night festival, live from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.
Sinéad is originally from New York, with strong family ties to both Durrow and Cullohill, where she has lived for the past decade.
Whether it was the Boston Rose, dancing a jig to the Dropkick Murphys, or the Dublin-born Arizona Rose, reading a children’s book, there was certainly an aclectic mix of talents and personalities on show.
Sinéad was the final Rose of 18 on the night, taking the stage at 11.25pm.
Sinéad regaled Dáithí Ó Sé and the audience with her story of leaving the United States to realise her dream of living here in rural surrounds of County Laois.
“At 16 years old, I decided to move over here; leave everyone at home – Mam, Dad, brother, sister,” Sinéad said.
“I came over every single summer, and I just absolutely loved Ireland.
“I was living proper Irish life, I was out on the farm, I was doing all these things I’d never done before.
“I moved in with my lovely aunty, Clare – that’s my mam’s sister – she was gracious enough to let me go in to the spare bunk-bed after my cousin, Lorraine moved to Australia.”
Sinéad closed with a poem, co-written by herself and her 3rd-Year students in Scoil Chriost Rí, Portlaoise.
“Although it may feel like half a world away
Her memories of childhood will never stray,
From the Big Apple, to picking up a hurl
A part of her will always remember that New York girl….”
Meanwhile, Laois man, Mark Dunne made it to the final three of the Escort of the Year.
There will be another chance to cheer on a Rose with strong Laois connections tonight, when Ottawa Rose, Aoife McDonald takes to the stage.
Below is some of the best social media reaction to night one of the festival.
Laois rose is another absolute beauty. Loved her. #roseoftralee
— Dee Cahill (@dee_cahill) August 21, 2023
Laois rose another contender oooh it’s a hard one this year I’ll make up my mind tomorrow night ROT.
— james fahey (@jamesfahey15) August 21, 2023
Laois Rose for the win 🌹#roseoftralee
— Jackie Murphy (@Mulqueenie1) August 21, 2023
How stunning is the mom of the #LaoisRose she should have entered too! 🌹🫶👏 #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/9uCaM81C5b
— Johanna Ní Mháille (@JohannaNiMhaill) August 21, 2023
Well Mike is definitely going to remember tonight 😂#RoseOfTralee pic.twitter.com/kXx5iX9fP4
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) August 21, 2023
Well done Allie @RoseOffaly1, you were brilliant, but whether you win the @RoseofTralee_ or not, remember we have an Under 16 Semi Final against Birr on Thursday and we need everyone there 😜 #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/U6jzNZ4hoe
— Kinnitty Camogie Club (@KinnittyC) August 21, 2023
Laois Rose escort Mark Dunne hasn’t a voice left but is up for #escortoftheyear #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/IZXHweM92H
— Lynda Kiernan (@LyndaKiernan1) August 21, 2023
Loving the Neurodiversity representation this year, as someone who was dx in late twenties with Autism, ADHD and Auditory processing disorder, hearing women talk about how women present differently is SOO important. Well done #roseoftralee
— GemmaDee (@gemmadee94) August 21, 2023
How do you explain to people from abroad that we’ve a national televised festival where two party pieces include reading a children’s book and being able to put on your work uniform quicker than the host? #roseoftralee
— Gearóid Óg (@gearoid_og) August 21, 2023
