Marie Hennessey from Rooska, Athea is the 2016 Limerick Rose.
Marie Hennessy from Rooska, Athea is the 2016 Limerick Rose, which was announced at the 2016 Limerick Rose Selection at the Bunratty Castle Hotel on Saturday night March 26th
Marie who represented MDI Ireland is a graduate of University of Limerick where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Gaeilge. She also completed her Professional Diploma in Language Education through UL. Marie is a post-primary school teacher of English and Gaeilge and is currently employed by Limerick Clare Education and Training Board. She previously spent time living and working in Dubai. An advocate of the Irish language, Marie has spent many of her summer holidays working in Coláiste Bhréanainn Irish College in Ballybunion, County Kerry.
“The atmosphere at the Bunratty Castle Hotel was electric – We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s event. All the Rose entrants were of extremely high calibre and Marie will make a superb ambassador for Limerick as the 2016 Limerick Rose” said Denis Griffin, coordinator of the Limerick Rose Centre.
Limerick Rose judges, Muirne Hurley-Goode – 1994 Rose of Tralee, Orlaith Carroll – 2011 Limerick Rose and Adam Craughan – 2010 Rose of Tralee international Escort assessed each entrant through individual and group interviews, as well as their stage interviews on Selection Night.
The Roses also went on a tour of the city and surrounds, and visited local attractions such as Limerick’s Milk Market, Thomond Park, Bunratty Castle Hotel, The George Boutique Hotel for lunch, Pieta House, King John’s Castle and Fun World – Bowling. The Roses also attended a night at the Limerick Greyhound Stadium.
MC Ollie Turner won over the crowd with his signature style of serious interviewing and hilarious anecdotes as he watched the Roses perform various types of song and dance. A raffle was held with all proceeds going to Pieta House – Charity partner of the 2016 Limerick Rose Selection.
The Limerick Rose Centre is delighted
that Marie is guaranteed a place at the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival from the 17th – 23rd August 2016. She will take part in all the parades, Rose Ball and public engagements, She will also participate in a qualifying event over two nights in the Dome from which 32 Roses will be chosen to appear in the live selection broadcasts. “The only Rose guaranteed a place on live TV will be the Kerry Rose, however we are thrilled that our Rose will enjoy the fun and excitement that’s involved in Tralee along with almost 70 Roses from around the world and no matter how far she gets in the process, we will be there to support her” said Denis Griffin – Limerick Rose Centre Coordinator.
Local businesses sponsored each entrant and gave generously to the Limerick Rose with the following prizes: Designer Wear from the Ivory Closet Boutique, Designer Wear from The Attic Bridal Boutique, Hair and Make up for the year from Catherine Hickey, €4,000 Euro Travel Voucher from Dublin Coach – Travel Partner of the 2016 Limerick Rose, A flight over Limerick sponsored by Limerick Flying Club, Coonagh, Flowers courtesy of Lawless Flowers, Lunch Voucher for two from the Pery’s Hotel, Dinner Voucher from Copper and Spice, Annacotty, Headpieces from Hats Desire, Gift Hamper from Debenhams, Gift Hamper from Carraig Donn, Gift presentation from Croom Stores, Gift from Allan’s Glass and Rock Climbing and Kayaking tour courtesy of Nevsail.