DONEGAL’S longest serving Rose is preparing to hand over her crown after three years in the role.

Chloe Kennedy from Donegal Town was crowned the Donegal Rose in 2019.

Due to Covid-19 postponing the competition, she has retained her title for three years but is now preparing to hand over her crown to the 2022 Donegal Rose.

This year’s Donegal Rose Selection takes place on Saturday, June 4 in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town in association with R McCullagh Jewellers.

Chloe used her time in Tralee to raise awareness of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

She captured the hearts of the country when she told Daithi O’Se about her diagnosis at the young age of 19 and how she received the all clear after 12 sessions of chemotherapy.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Chloe said, “I didn’t really know I would end up talking about my diagnosis at the time but I am glad I did.

“I wanted to warn people to be aware of what is going on with their body and get things checked out if you are unsure about something.

“Everyone has a story to tell and something they are passionate about so I was very lucky that I got to do that,” said Chloe.

Teacher training

Chloe is currently living in Liverpool doing primary school teaching. She is hoping to be able to lend a helping hand to the new Donegal Rose.

“I am really excited to see who gets the crown and I have lots of dresses that I can lend out too.

“The Rose before me, Niamh, was beyond helpful and the support was amazing so I am excited to return the favour to whoever gets it.

“The build up to Tralee is so exciting and the support I received from everyone in Donegal was fantastic.

“I was so proud to be representing Donegal and I felt quite humbled by it because I was amongst so many women from all over the world who had done so many amazing things.

“Whoever is going for it should be prepared to have fun and the main thing is to enjoy it, soak it all up and be yourself,” said Chloe.

Entries for 2022 Rose of Tralee are already being submitted via www.roseoftralee.ie.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival returns after two years from August 19 to 23.

Interested applicants must be over age 18 and not have reached age 29 by September 2022. The Donegal Rose selected will attend the Rose Tour in Tralee along with a live TV appearance with Daithi O Se on RTE.

Tickets to attend the selection are available online or from any Roses entering the selection.

For more information please contact Donegal Rose Co-ordinator Elaine McInaw 0857032764 or via email donegalroseoftraleefestival@gmail.com