Derry Rose Cará Hamilton savouring incredible Rose of Tralee experience
Derry Rose Cará Hamilton has already made genuine friendships among her fellow contestants at the Rose of Tralee International Festival as she prepares to take part in its 66th edition next week.
The Top of the Hill-native travelled to the St. Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan, on Tuesday for the official launch of the world-famous competition.
Cará has been savouring every minute of the experience and can’t wait for the festivities proper to commence in Tralee.
“It is honestly crazy. Every hotel we land at there is a meet and greet with loads of people. It is absolutely class. I have never experienced anything like this in my life and I don't think I ever would again. It is really enjoyable,” she said.
The 21-year-old is a graduate of Liverpool John Moore’s University where she recently completed a degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is currently in the process of applying for a position with An Garda Síochaná.
A keen footballer she lined out for Doire Trasna’s senior ladies this season and has played for Na Piarsaigh at various age levels.
So how did she get involved in the one of the most famous celebrations of Irish identity the world over?
“It was my auntie who applied for me to go through to the Derry Rose selection. I kind of went down just for the crack and to give my family a wee night out in the Everglades!
“For some reason I was selected! I didn't really expect it. Everything has been a bit mad. It hasn't really sunk in that I'm down here as the Derry Rose,” she said
For the Hamiltons and Cará’s extended family the Rose of Tralee has always been appointment viewing at the end of the summer.
"My granny loved it. My mammy, my auntie and my uncles would have grown up watching it. My auntie is a big fan. It is all her fault!” she laughed.
Cará said she has been struck by the strong sense of sisterhood and genuine friendships forged among the Roses.
“Obviously I expected everyone to be lovely anyway but they really, really are. We have all gelled so quickly. I've made genuine friendships already and it has only been a few days. And it is great too to have somewhere to go if I want to go travelling somewhere,” she said, referring to the traditionally strong representation from the Irish diaspora among the contestants.
The festival kicks off in Tralee on Friday.
“It will be busy, busy from here on,” said Cará, who will learn on Sunday whether she will be appearing on RTÉ’s televised coverage on Monday or Tuesday night.
The Derry gang, of course, will be there to cheer her on come what may.
“We've got a bus going from Derry. We have maybe 15 or 20 who will be coming down. A load of my family and my boyfriend's family are all coming too. They would have all watched it as well. There is a bus coming down at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning!”