merrion street

Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., today congratulated Maria Walsh, the Philadelphia Rose, on being crowned the 2014 Rose of Tralee.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland's largest & longest running festivals connecting the global Irish community since 1959 through the annual selection of a Rose of Tralee.

Speaking in Tralee, Minister Deenihan said:

“The Rose of Tralee festival has provided a wonderful opportunity for Irish communities across the globe to celebrate their Irish heritage and culture for the last 55 years. Contestants in the Festival in Tralee, and in the many selection events organised by Irish communities around the world, exemplify just how powerful this heritage is and is a source of great pride for their families at home and abroad.

The ties that many of these women have to Ireland, for example, through the GAA, Irish dancing or music, or from holidaying or studying in Ireland are invaluable ways of keeping connections with Ireland, and their ancestry, alive.

In my new role as Minister for the Diaspora, I hope to represent those who strive to promote Irish heritage and encourage those who are Irish, or have Irish affinity, to continue to express this.

I congratulate Maria Walsh on becoming the 2014 Rose of Tralee. I wish her well and hope that she enjoys her year as an ambassador for this great festival”.