RTÉ viewers in both Kilmallock and Templeglantine will be tuning in to this year’s Rose of Tralee by the dozen in support of the recently selected New York Rose, Róisín Wiley, who has many strong local connections, writes John Barrett.
Róisín is a daughter of Kilmallock native, Eddie Wiley and Majella O’Reilly from Temple-glantine in west Limerick. Over the moon at being selected, she was delighted to chat with the Vale Star this week: “I am absolutely thrilled, it hasn’t really hit me yet to be honest. This was my second time taking part in the selection process and I didn’t go in with any great expectations. It was fantastic to meet the other participants in the New York Rose contest and spend the weekend celebrating our Irish heritage. I am so thankful for the support of my family and friends and counting down the days to Tralee,” she said.
Róisín was more than happy to confirm the Kilmallock and west Limerick connections – “My dad is Eddie Wiley, son of the late John and Eileen, who resides at the Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree. All my aunts, and an uncle on my dad’s side, live in Kilmallock, Carmel, Gillian, Declan and Meg. My mother is Majella O’Reilly from Templeglantine and she also has a connection with Kilmallock as her sister, and my aunt, the late Pat Kelly and her husband, James, were proprietors of The Golden Spur (now Fitzgerald’s) for many years.
Then, my aunt Angela McCarthy, who was married to the late Cal, still lives in Kilmallock. I also have many other cousins in the area so the blood lines and connections with County Limerick are very strong.”
Asked about her hopes as the countdown begins to the 2023 Rose of Tralee in August, Róisín added, “Beyond being the New York representative, I am so looking forward to meeting the other Roses and spending time together on the Rose Tour.
The biggest piece of advice given to me from previous contestants is to enjoy every minute and spend my time in Ireland building friendships and making memories. This will be the experience of a lifetime and I hope to make every minute count.”