LIMERICK will not be represented on stage at the Rose of Tralee Finals for the fifth year running, after the 2012 candidate was unsuccessful at the regional finals.
Despite being tipped as favourite by the bookies, Adare’s Suzanne O’Brien, was not selected to progress, despite a standout performance in Laois on Sunday night.
“There were 29 of us competing and only space for seven Irish Roses to go through from the regionals; there was one from each province and three wild cards, and there was a very high standard,” she told the Limerick Post.
Suzanne, a UL graduate who works at Live 95fm, was interviewed on stage by host Daithi O’Sé and presented him with a caricature of himself that she had earlier prepared.
“I went up there prepared and I met some amazing people; I enjoyed one of the best weekends of my life and I don’t regret a thing”.
The 24-year-old will retain her position as Limerick Rose until next year’s selection and vowed to attend the Rose festival in Tralee “as an ambassador for Limerick regardless of not being on stage”.
Denis Griffin of the Limerick Rose Centre, said that despite Suzanne not making it through she “represented her city and county with pride and honour.
“Although Suzanne was not one of the seven Irish Roses chosen, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a very strong ambassador for her city and county for the year ahead”.
The last Limerick Rose to make it to the Tralee finals was Melanie Carroll, in 2007.
The Limerick Rose committee stepped down last year in protest against the selection process and was replaced by the Limerick Rose Centre.
