A Rose is picked!

Twenty-one-year-old student, Tara Cunningham, from Cootehill, was selected as the Cavan Rose for the 2009 Rose of Tralee contest, following a glittering selection night in the Cavan Crystal Hotel last Saturday. Of the ten women who vied for the title, some nominated themselves, while others were put forward by friends, families and sponsors, but Tara explained how this newspaper was her springboard to going forward for the coveted crown. 'My graduation photo appeared in the Anglo-Celt a couple of months ago and it was seen by one of the organisers, who invited me to go forward.' The trad" music enthusiast treated the audience last Saturday to a rendition of a slow air called The Coolin, which she played on the tin whistle. She was absolutely delighted to be selected winner on the night by judges: Bernard Molloy, 2006 Rose of Tralee escort; Elizabeth McCabe, 2007 Cavan Rose; and Niamh Brady, Brady"s Garage (Cavan) Ltd. 'It was a dream come true,' said our new Rose, adding 'It"s a prestigious honour to represent my county in Portlaoise.' The regional finals for what will be a huge bash this year, as it is the Rose of Tralee"s Golden Jubilee, take place in Portlaoise on May 29, 30 and 31, with Today FM presenter Ray Darcy as host. 'I"m just going to bring all my experience that I"ve gained over the past 21 years,' said Tara, who is studying for a Masters in Finance in the Smurfit School of Business in UCD. Daughter of Clare and Gerry Cunningham, Tara has three sisters and is currently in the midst of her final exams, before she completes her thesis over the summer and starts a graduate programme with Bank of Ireland, where she has already secured a place. The victorious Rose wanted to thank her sponsor and others who helped and supported her. 'A huge thank you to all who supported me, including family, friends and neighbours, and to Lorraine Cahill at the Cavan Crystal and Helen Dunne for organising such a wonderful night on Saturday. And, of course, thank you to my sponsor, Cavan Credit Union - without them I wouldn"t have been there. 'I just hope to do my best and be a good ambassador for the county,' concluded Tara. She takes over the title from 2008 Cavan Rose, Mairead Lyng, who was the first Cavan Rose to get through to the finals in Tralee.