Pageant enthusiasts in Leitrim are growing increasingly worried they wont have enough women to enter into the Rose Of Tralee.
Organisers at the Letrim Rose Centre are worried they wont be eligible to put forward a rose at the Kerry Dome in August.
So far only three women in the county have entered while a minimum of eight is needed for the selection process to go ahead at the Bush Hotel this Sunday.
No interest: Leitrim have only had three women apply to be Roses | TONY MAXWELL
Leitrim organiser Brendan Galvin has pleaded with women across the county to come forward for their chance at getting the crown.
“We’re appealing to mothers and to grandmothers to be cruel to be kind and to nearly bully their daughters into doing it,” he said on Shannonside FM.
“They’re going to have an amazing time, the best craic ever. They will make such wonderful friends and have the most wonderful experiences.”
Begging: Leitrim organiser Brendan Galvin is pleading with Letitrim women | TONY MAXWELL
“All they have to do is go onto the Rose of Tralee website roseoftralee.ie or go to the Leitrim Rose page on Facebook and just make some kind
of contact with us.”
Leitrim is Ireland’s least populated county with only 31,000 people living across its 1,590 square kilometres.
However, according to host Daithi O’Se, the county has always been a strong contender in the contest.
Talent: Daithi believes Leitrim women have a lot to offer | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I’m shocked by this, Leitrim always send strong contenders even though it’s such a small county, it’s really strange,” he said.
“I actually thought that more people would want to enter after last year’s winner Maria Walsh proved to be so popular.”
The TV star also reminded potential roses that there are many benefits to getting involved.
Love: Daithi met wife Rita when she was a Rose | VIPIRELAND.COM
“It’s not just what you see on stage though, there is a real buzz around it and a great atmosphere.”
The contest holds a special place in the Kerry native’s heart after he met his now wife Rita Talty when she represented New Jersey seven years ago.
“Rita will tell you she loved every minute of it and is still good friends with some of the other women she met there.”
The lucky winner will walk away with prizes including Newbridge jewellery, extensive travel opportunities and a new car.
