Philadelphia Rose's Kilcormac connection

Tara Grandich, the daughter of a Kilcormac woman, has been selected to represent Philadelphia in this year’s Rose of Tralee from 16 to 22 August!

She is the seventh Rose to be selected for this year’s Festival and says she is 'so excited' to be part of this experience.

'I grew up watching the Rose of Tralee and have dreamt of a chance to participate. My mother Mary was born in Kilcormac in County Offaly and I have been fortunate to travel home to Ireland every year to visit my family. I’m looking forward to representing the Irish community in Philadelphia and my family from Offaly when I reach Kerry for the Rose of Tralee International Festival in August,' she said.

Tara works in the area of portfolio management for De Lage Landen, a global vendor finance company. She graduated from St Joseph's University with a degree in International Business, and also studied at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia for a year.

Tara will be among the 65 Roses from Ireland and Irish communities around the globe who will travel to Kerry for the seven-day festival while the 2017 Rose of Tralee will be crowned live on RTÉ on Tuesday 22nd August.

They will enjoy everything that Ireland’s flagship family festival has to offer – parades, gala functions, entertainment, televised Rose selection nights, a Rose Tour and much more. The Offaly Rose Selection will take place on Saturday, May 6 and anyone interested in entering can do so online at www.roseoftralee.ie.

To find details of a Rose Selection near you and to apply online, visit www.roseoftralee.ie.