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22 Apr 2026
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22 Apr 2026
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The current International Rose Rachel Duffy with the 2019 Clare Rose Victoria O'Connell in Kilrush | PICTURE: Paul Cooley
THE search to find the 2023 Clare Rose is now in full swing after it was launched by the most-recent Clare rose Victoria O'Connell.
There are a number of changes to the overall competition this year with no regional final or any other feeder events.
Going forward, there will be a Clare Rose every second year.
This year, all applicants from the Banner County will go to the Clare final and the chosen Clare lady will then go directly to the Live TV show in August.
Commenting at the launch, Vickie who was the 2019 Clare Rose said: “Entering and becoming the Clare rose has been one of the proudest moments of my life so far, being able to represent my county on a local, national and international base is a fantastic feeling that words just can’t describe."
She added: “I would recommend the festival to anyone, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, You get to meet so many amazing people, do some amazing things, and become an inspiration to so many girls and women, so I would say to anyone that has ever taught about becoming a rose, don’t miss out on something great just because of fear, it’s your time new year new you, just apply.”
The Festival of Kerry organisers have revamped the selection process in 2023 by removing the regional qualification process and increasing the age limit to 29.
The Clare Rose Centre has also paid tribute to Vickie O'Connell describing her as a "true legend".
They said: "She was a great ambassador for her family, County Clare, and west Clare in general and we want to thank everyone for getting behind her and we love her to bits. This year is a big year for the county as there are big changes afoot which will mean we will only have a Clare rose once every two years, but this year this is a great and even better opportunity for any young lady to really enjoy this once in a lifetime experience in the full.”
The chosen Clare rose will travel “via the Rose tour” to the international festival in Tralee in August and will take part in all the parades, Rose Ball, and numerous public engagements at the festival from which 32 Roses will appear in the live selection broadcasts.
More information can be found here or by texting 086 3871635. Applications can be found at roseoftralee.ie.
The closing date is February 20, 2023 and the Clare selection event will take place at the Inn at Dromoland on March 12, 2023.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival, which celebrate 60 Years in 2023, takes place from Friday, August 18 to Tuesday, August 22.
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