Skryne native Saoirse McGrath named 2018 Meath Rose

Saoirse McGrath is the 2018 Meath Rose!

There was great excitement in the Newgrange Hotel Navan on Sunday night as Saoirse McGrath (22), from Skryne was selected as the 2018 Meath Rose. 2017 Meath Rose Anne Lynam passed on the honour of representing the Royal County in the Dome in August in front of a packed crowd of supporters and well-wishers.

The 3rd year nursing student in Beaumont Hospital but based in a psychiatric day hospital in Swords was congratulated by all 16 fellow Meath Rose contestants when her name was called out.

"It was quite nerve-wracking when they were calling out the names on stage but I'm grand now, said Saoirse who plays football for Skryne GFC and has represented Meath.  "It was tough to go up and do our piece but (Ollie Turner) the MC made it really easy for us." It was a case of second-time lucky for Saoirse, who entered the competition in 2015. 

WATCH - Saoirse McGrath is announced as the 2018 Meath Rose

Saoirse was selected following a glittering selection event which saw 17 young ladies from throughout the county of Meath take part in the annual event. Meath Rose Centre co-ordinator Jonathan Lynch said,  “Saoirse will be a fantastic Rose and we have no doubt that she will go on to represent the county of Meath and the Meath Rose Class of 2018 excellently. We are absolutely thrilled with our selection event and there was a fantastic buzz of support in the Newgrange Hotel to support the wonderful participants in this year’s Meath Rose selection”.

Saoirse will benefit from generous sponsorship to help her get ready for her time in Tralee, including jewelery from Tipperary Crystal, hair styling for the year from Echo Dunshaughlin, a pair of designer spectacles from Specsavers Navan, 6 months gym membership from the Knightsbook Hotel and Spa, a hamper from Haven Pharmacy Dunshaughlin and a pair of shoes from Stiletto Trim. She was also presented with a bouquet of flowers from Flowers by Moira, Dunshaughlin. All Meath Rose participants were also gifted hair care products from Alfaparf Milano Ireland, courtesy of Echo Dunshaughlin.

Although Saoirse was selected on Sunday night, there was quite a build up to the selection event. Meath Rose participants enjoyed a range of bonding and social activities, including dining at the Newgrange Hotel, Navan (part of the Cusack Hotel Group, official partner of the Meath Rose Centre), go-karting at The Zone Extreme Activity Centre, boating at Rathbeggan Lakes and a range of outdoor activities at Lough Crew Adventure, supported by Meath Civil Defence.

Saoirse will go on to participate in a range of local activities and events ahead of her appearance in the Rose of Tralee International Festival in August. If you would like to invite Saoirse to attend your event, please contact meathrosecentre@gmail.com for further details.

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