National Rose of Tralee 2011 Competition - Report

Well what a full and funfilled weekend all the Roses had, put on by the fabulous Hutt Valley Irish Society and their generous sponsors. They stayed at the Angus Inn and had a busy sightseeing tour of the Wellington with lunch at D4 Irish restaurant & bar. They visited Te Papa and went to the Museum Hotel for ‘high tea’. They also managed to have a little shopping spree at Kirkcaldie & Stains.

Friday evening was their performance night at the Hutt Valley Irish Society. The girls showed off their talents and by all accounts it was a brilliant night with lots of laughs, great entertainment and great support for all the girls.  Canterbury was represented by the beautiful Erin Saunders, aged 21 and currently studying to be a teacher at Canterbury University teachers College.

Saturday was the big night for the Grand Ball held at the Amora Hotel. But even before that they had to fit in a few other stops including a visit to Butlers’ Chocolates, a tour of the Dowse Art Gallery, and then lunch with members of the Hutt Valley Irish Society. The afternoon was filled with some interviews. Then the fun stuff like hair and makeup getting dressed up and ready for their big night!

The evening was very enjoyable and exciting with the Roses’ individual interviews on-stage, and entertainment including a great band and lively dancing  and finally, the announcement of the 2011 NZ Rose of Tralee – Ailbhe Ryan.

Congratulations to Ailbhe on her win and no doubt she will be an outstanding representative for New Zealand at the international Rose of Tralee event in Ireland this August.