The Big Apple Brightens The Dome In Tralee With The First Ever Big Apple Rose And Escort Taking Part In The Festival!

By Yvonne Garrahan

On Saturday the 6th of August; Rose of Tralee fever hit the Fitzpatrick Hotel, Grand Central.

The courtyard was buzzing with past New York and Tri-State area Roses, as well as their family and friends.

The beautiful setting of the courtyard created a real sense of excitement as Caitlin McNeill and William Lee III prepared for their departure to what is going to be a great week of events in Tralee, Ireland.

As well as the past Tri-State area roses, with their family and friends, everyone that had an interest in the Rose of Tralee or was involved with the festival were present, along with Caitlin's dress designers, Don O Neill and Niiamar Felder.

Keeping with the real Rose of Tralee tradition, Newbridge Silverware had a wonderful display at the event; which consisted of timeless silverware pieces with a real distinctive Irish design.

The true element of the festival was present throughout the afternoon as the amazing personalities of the past roses shone through as they mingled amongst the crowd.

Many of the past Tri-State area roses now live in Ireland, and were unable to make it to the event, but sent on their well wishes.

They also have mentioned that they hope to come out to New York next year for this event, so watch out; New York will be a field of roses to look out for!

The event was organised by USG Internationl Performing Arts, Unateresa Gormley who is the Cultural Director.

USG International followed through according to their mission statement, putting the I in Ireland and A in America.

It was evident from the afternoon, that the level of work put into such an event was just incredible.

From finding all the past roses to organising such a successful and enjoyable afternoon, it was no easy task.

Unateresa was helped out by her four Irish Interns, Emer Mimnagh, Sinead McCullagh, Carleen Hughes and Yvonne Garrahan, who helped with the graphic design, advertising and social networking, which really brought this event together as well as incorporating their own Irish twist.

The interns were also presented with a Citation from the City Council, by Christine Quinn recognizing their involvement with the Big Apple Rose of Tralee.

Unateresa has been involved in this process from the start, and has found two great ambassadors to represent the Big Apple in Tralee at the end of this month.

Both Caitlin and William expressed how grateful they were to get such an amazing opportunity to represent their state on an international stage.

The Big Apple Rose of Tralee would like to thank everyone who has helped make this event possible and their great generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

Justin Slattery of Slattery's Irish Bar donated an open bar for two hours for 10 people to auction off and also donated the banners for the event.

We are also very grateful to the designers that gave Caitlin such beautiful dresses, the Irish designers Fiona Whyte, Hattitude by Celestine McCoy, Janes Boutique and Emma Kate Tobia and also our American designers Don O Neill and Niiamar.

We wish Caitlin and William all the best in Tralee, and we know they will do us proud.

If you are interested in getting involved with The Big Apple Rose of Tralee, follow us on Twitter or add us on Facebook, email us at bigappleroseoftralee@yahoo.com, visit our website at bigappleroseoftralee.com or phone (914) 715-9914.