A primary school teacher from Luimnagh, Corrandulla was selected as the 2018 Galway Rose at the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit last weekend.
Deirdre O’Sullivan was representing CROÍ in the glamorous event in front of an audience of 500 — she now goes on to represent Galway in the Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry in August.
Ms O’ Sullivan is a primary school teacher in St. Clare’s Primary School, Dublin. A proud volunteer with CROÍ, Deirdre also like to promote exercise and healthy hearts at work. As a former member of the Galway Youth Orchestra, Deirdre plays flute at a professional level and has performed in The National Concert Hall. She entertained the audience at the 2018 Galway Rose Selection with some classical flute music for her party piece.
Deirdre hopes to spend some time volunteering in Ghana early in the summer before embarking on her journey to Tralee in August.
The 2018 Galway Rose Selection judges, Muirne Hurley Goode (1994 Rose of Tralee ), Karina Duffy (Weddings and Events Manager at the Clayton Hotel Galway ) and Andrew Kelly (2012 International Rose of Tralee Escort ) assessed each entrant through individual and group interviews, as well as their stage interview with MC Ollie Turner at Saturday’s selection.
The Roses also went on a tour of the county over the last few weeks, and visited local sponsors, attractions and supporters such as The Eyre Square Centre, The Galway Greyhound Stadium, Galway Atlantaquarium, The Corrib Princess, the Athenry Heritage Centre, Loughrea Hotel and Spa, The Great Escape Rooms, The Beauty Mint, O Connell’s Bar, Pallas Karting and the the Galway Ghost Tour. Each Rose was gifted a goodie bag from Loughrea-based tanning company CatwalkHQ.
Galway Rose Coordinator Anne Marie Doyle said they are very pleased with the choice made by the judges.
“We are really thrilled to have such an amazing lady representing Galway for the year - what an exciting Rose journey lies ahead for Deirdre O’ Sullivan as she embarks on her role as ambassador for the county. Gaillimh Abú,” she said.
MC Ollie Turner won over the crowd with his signature style of serious interviewing and hilarious anecdotes as he watched the Roses sing, play musical instruments and perform gymnastic routines. He was also taught how to use chopsticks, treated to a sushi making demonstration and brought through a personal training routine! All of the Rose entrants were of exceptionally high calibre.”
Katelyn Molloy provided entertainment while the judges made their deliberations, while Sean Rowland, pianist was the musical director on the night. A raffle was held with all proceeds going to Galway Hospice.
Local businesses sponsored each entrant and gave generously to the 2017 Galway Rose with the following prizes: Tipperary Crystal Jewellery, CatwalkHQ tan, Designer headpieces from Gillian Duggan Designs, Beauty Treatments from The Beauty Mint, Hair Styling from Hair at 74, Make by MUA Ally McGinn, Style from Geraldine O’Meara, the Kilkenny Shop and Ellie Lane Boutique, a bouquet of flowers from Flower Haven, alterations from the Zip Yard as well as a Ladies Day voucher from Miland’s Florist, Garden Centre & Cafe.
