Tamara Payne (Ardara) The Donegal Rose for the forthcoming Rose of Tralee pictured with Patrick Bonner and Martin Mulrennan (Letterkenny) who will be escorts at the 2014 event pictured in Letterkenny as they thank their local sponsors before they prepare for their trip down to Kerry.Photo: Cristeph/Brian McDaid
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
TONIGHT the final 14 Roses take to the stage in Tralee to be interviewed by host Daithí Ó Se and one of them is our own Tamara Payne from Ardara.
Tamara has a lot of support with her. “I think there’s about sixty coming down to support me. I have a great Donegal contingent with me so I’m very lucky.”
One of the highlights for Tamara during her stay in Tralee was the parade last weekend where she saw lots of Donegal people in the crowd.
“It was absolutely amazing to see thousands of people outside waving at you and looking for your autographs, It;s an absolute dream come true.”
The 55th International Rose of Tralee Selection will be broadcast live from the festival dome in Tralee, Co Kerry, tonight.
Returning host Dáithí O Sé will present the hugely popular television event and will interview the remaining 14 Roses on the second of two nights. Last year saw Texas Rose, Haley O’Sullivan was crowned as the 55th Rose of Tralee.
The event will be broadcast on RTÉ One at 8pm with a break for the Nine O’Clock News. Tune in to find out which of the 32 Roses will be selected as the 56th Rose of Tralee and keep your fingers crossed it will be our own Tamara.