Meath Rose hopeful to take to the stage in Tralee tonight

Meath Rose hopeful Lane Galvin admits that she "couldn't imagine" what it would be like to be crowned the Rose of Tralee but says she is enjoying "every moment" of the journey.

The twenty six year old midwife in the Midwifery Led Unit in Drogheda Hospital will take to the stage tonight alongside hosts Daithi Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas.

The festival gets underway in Tralee in Co Kerry this evening with two nights of the competition televised on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Monday and Tuesday from 8:00pm.

Speaking on a whistle stop tour of Meath last week Lane said it was "an honour" to represent her home county in what has been a "whirlwind" experience. She added:

"I'm so excited, we are having an absolute ball, we are so busy it has just been go go go but the girls are just fantastic and we are really enjoying getting to know each other."

The Navan native said excitement was building for the live show.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to chat to Daithi and Kathryn on stage but the nerves are definitely creeping in too," she said.

The Meath rose was coy about her chances of winning the iconic festival contest praising her fellow contestants.

"I couldn't even imagine what they would be like especially having got to know the other 31 girls who are just amazing," she said.

It was extra special getting to return to her home county on the tour according to Lane.

"There are only a few stops on the tour so not all of the girls get to experience coming home but it is really special to be able to bring them to Meath and showcase the wonderful county that we have."

"It has been a whirlwind, it has been so busy but the most enjoyable experience I have ever had. I have loved getting the chance to give a platform to Meath and show off the wonderful county that we have."

County Meath gave a warm welcome to 32 Irish and International Roses who visited Meath as part of the International Rose Tour last Wednesday and Thursday, hosted by Meath County Council.

The Roses experienced a jam-packed whistle stop tour of the county before hitting the road to Tralee for the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023.

On Wednesday afternoon things got underway with the tour bus arriving at Newgrange Stone Age Passage Tomb, the jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East, the 32 Roses then visited Emerald Park, Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, for a thrilling adventure before attending a gala ball that evening in Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort. The next morning the Roses were treated to an authentic taste of Irish life on Causey Farm where they baked brown bread, had a céilí and enjoyed traditional farm life.

On the last stop of the tour, the Roses visited Meath County Council headquarters for an official welcome reception, entertainment was provided by Navan Silver Band and performance artists from Broken Theatre, food was served from a delicious menu featuring Boyne Valley Flavours and the Roses had the opportunity to meet with local food and drink producers as well as Meath Craft Makers.

Fiona Lawless, Chief Executive of Meath County Council said, “Meath County Council is thrilled to host this year's Rose Tour. It is so great to see all 32 Roses create memories and lasting friendships here in Meath. They soaked up the sun and had so much fun discovering the adventurous side of the County. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses who joined us in welcoming the Roses to Meath.”

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly added “I want to congratulate and thank Brú na Bóinne, Emerald Park, Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort and Causey Farm who showcased the county wonderfully, creating a memorable tour for the Roses. Meath is the birthplace of Halloween and host to the infamous Púca Halloween Festival, I welcome everyone back to Meath in October where the spirit of Púca comes alive!”