Rose of Tralee
Mayo 2006 Rose of Tralee Crowned
By Bryana Hindle
22, Apr 2006 - 09:43

The Mayo Rose 2006 is Announced on Stage. Photo: John Moylette

Brenda O’Donovan (20) of Castlebar, the coveted title of 2006 Mayo Rose of Tralee at Thursday’s (20th April) selection night at the Mayo Centre, the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre. Sponsored by Rowland Roofing in Castlebar, Brenda received great support from the audience, delighting sponsors, family and friends who cheered her on and held up the banners in support of a great show!

Brenda, a Business Studies with Event Management student at the Limerick Institute of Technology, has won €1000 from the Mayo Rose Committee and jewellery by Newbridge Silverware. And she can also look forward to the Irish Regional Final in Tralee on the 9th & 10th June where she will represent County Mayo.

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (current Rose of Tralee) and Brenda O'Donovan (Mayo Rose 2006). Photo: John Moylette

Compered by Frank Forde, a total of nine Roses took part in the selection night, with an on-stage interview and each one then performed a party piece. Her sister Roses who took part were Tracy Gallagher sponsored by EZ Living, Michelle Gibbons sponsored by Hibernia College, Kate Heindel sponsored by Westport Leisure Park, Katrina Kelly sponsored by Carraig Donn, Jennifer McDermott sponsored by West Ireland Cycling, Angela McLoughlin sponsored by Knockranny House Hotel, Aisling O’Malley sponsored by Clare Island Development and Anne Marie Ronan sponsored by the community of Tourmakeady.

Last year’s Mayo Rose and overall 2005 Rose of Tralee, Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin congratulated Brenda and gave a wonderful insight into the Festival and her amazing year.

A special thanks to the Regional Coordinator Colm Croffy for all his time and support, as well as to the adjudicators, sponsors of the raffle prizes Petals Hair and Beauty Salon (Westport), Elvery Sports and the TF Royal Theatre, John Flatley for providing backing music, Tony Kelly and his band Impulse for the lively entertainment as well as to Staunton’s and Urban Retreat for providing hair and make-up touch-ups and special token gift packs for all nine entrants.

A raffle in aid of Mayo Cancer Support raised over €500 for the charity selected to receive all proceeds of the event by the Mayo Rose of Tralee Committee. On behalf of the management and staff of the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, and the Mayo Rose of Tralee Committee we would like to thanks all the contestants, their family and friends, the local media and the people of Mayo for all their support. And to Brenda, we wish you all the very best! Hopefully we’ll make it two in a row!

Brenda O'Donovan (Mayo Rose 2006). Photo: John Moylette