Paula heads for Tralee with the hopes of the county

Sean McMahon

Having joined the other 63 Tralee hopefuls as they slowly wind their way south to Tralee, the Cavan Rose is only days away from discovering if she has made the final cut for the televised stage of the world famous pageant.

It seems a long time since Paula McPartland was crowed as Cavan's Rose at a glittering event in the Kilmore Hotel on Friday, May 5, but all the waiting is nearly over for the Ballyconnell lady.
Paula, a daughter of Catriona and Dallen McPartland from Slieve Bricken, told The Anglo-Celt that the whirlwind of events commenced on Sunday with a civic reception laid on by Kildare County Council. Then it was onto Lullymore Bog where the Roses enjoyed great craic footing turf. Then it was onto the Glen Royal Hotel in Maynooth for a barbecue and a fun song contest.
Then on Tuesday morning, Paula and all the Roses were involved in the RTÉ press launch in Malahide Castle.
“It is all go all the time, but it is great fun and I'm really enjoying it,†Paula told The Anglo-Celt.
Thirty two of the 64 Roses progress to a live audience with Daithi O'Se on Monday and Tuesday nights, August 21 and 22. The first 16 Roses to go through to the live television show will be announced at the 'Celebration of Roses' event this Thursday night and the remaining 16 will be announced at breakfast this Saturday morning.
Who makes it through to the live shows is decided based on the Roses' original interviews in July and group interviews. Paula has been a primary school teacher in Ballyfermot for the past three years, and she will be teaching in the ASC Unit when she returns in September.
If Paula makes it to one of the live shows, she will showcase her Irish dancing abilities for her party piece.
She will be giving Cavan a good old shout, as “people have been so good with their support in getting me hereâ€.
“The town of Ballyconnell has been amazing, as has the whole county.
“There was a great turnout at my farewell fundraiser, the festival has brought out the generosity of everyone in the county – it has been greatâ€.
The Celt wishes Paula all the best of luck as she carries the hopes of the county in Tralee.