Ciara bids for Ulster Rose crown
Cavan Rose, Ciara Cunningham, was more nervous as she visited her former primary school in Crosskeys last Friday than she is about representing the county at this weekend’s regional selection for the Rose of Tralee in Portlaoise. “I was really nervous. I haven’t been back since I left sixth class when I was eleven or twelve. It was weird. When I was in sixth class, I thought that school was so big, now everything looks much smaller,” Ciara told the Celt this week of her visit to the school.
The 25-year-old trainee solicitor from Carrickaboy said she was overwhelmed by the support and welcome that she received at her old school. “I felt like I was capable of doing anything after leaving that, I felt so happy,” she said.
Students at the school put on a concert in Ciara’s honour - playing their musicial instruments, singing and dancing. It was a change for Ciara to be in the audience and not on the stage herself. Ciara is the singer of Irish Traditional Group 'Ciorras’, which was put together by Donal Lunny and tours extensively all round the world.
The daughter of Aidan and Bridie Cunningham, and sister to Aoife, Ciara has been busy since she took over the sash, crown and title from the previous Cavan, Alison Harpur from Shercock.
What has been the best part of her journey so far? Getting the wardrobe of course! Ciara’s being sponsored by High Style in Virginia who have kitted her out from head to toe for the duration of her stay in Portlaoise, while Sally West in Cavan have also sponsored two outfits.
Of Pam Tracey from High Style, Ciara says: “She’s been brilliant. She literally opened her shop to me and exceeded all of my expectations and more when it comes to helping me out with all of this. It was the most fun, she couldn’t even get me out of the shop at times!”
Interestingly, Pam herself was a former entrant in the Kerry Rose. And that’s not the only Rose connection that Ciara has - as her cousin Tara represented Cavan in Tralee a few years back.
Saying that she feels “truly humbled” and “honoured” to represent Cavan in the regional finals, Ciara’s list of thank yous is extension: Cell Media, a creative advertising and marketing company set up by her cousin Killian Lynch for their initial sponsorship; Angela Dolan and Kathleen O’Reilly at the Cavan Rose Centre; Alison Harpur, the former Cavan Rose; Larry O’Shea and all the teachers and pupils at Crosskeys NS; her employers, A&L Goodbody; the Bridal Loft, Cootehill; McDonagh’s Shoes; One Hour Photo and to all of those who took the time to send letters and cards and messages of congratulations and good luck.
She’s expecting to bring a group of about 30 supporters to Portlaoise this weekend - including the 2012 rose Alison, who Ciara says has been a tremendous support to her since being crowned. Asked if she’s nervous, Ciara says she’s more “excited” and looking forward to the experience.
The selection process in Portlaoise will take place over five days (May 30 to June 3) - with Ciara set to take to the stage on Sunday night when she will be interviewed by host Dáithí ” Sé and will perform a party piece and sing.
There will be 65 Roses in Portlaoise this weekend - 14 of which are the International Roses that automatically qualify for Tralee. Of the remaining roses, only nine will make it to Kerry in August.
Cork, Dublin and Kerry are each guaranteed a rose in the final; while one rose each will be selected to represent the provinces - Ulster, Munster, Connacht and Leinster. From the remaining roses, two wildcards will be chosen. So ultimately, Ciara has a shot at the Ulster Rose title or a wild card place.
Asked if she has hopes of getting all the way to Tralee, Ciara says she’ll be going either way to support the chosen Ulster Rose. Has she a chance?
“It’s extremely hard. Having met all eight Ulster Roses in Cookstown, they are all so talented and such high achievers, each and every one of them , any of them could make it,” says a humble Ciara.