Fionna is off to Tralee

MAYO Rose Fionna McDarby is rallying her supporters to join her in the Dome on Thursday, August 18, at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

She will be among 65 Roses from all over the world who will be at this year’s extended festival, which runs from August 17 to 23.

Prior to arriving in Tralee, Fionna will embark on a five-day tour taking in some of Ireland’s top tourism landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse, Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, The K Club and Kilmainham Gaol before arriving in Kerry.

Fionna, 25, is a health psychologist from Ballinrobe. Through her studies and work, childhood obesity has become a particular area of interest for her. Her work has attracted attention, as she notes: “My research on this topical issue has been covered in the national press and given me my five minutes of fame on the popular television programme Operation Transformation.”

The format for this year’s festival has changed to allow every Rose travel to Tralee to enjoy the event in its entirety.

The mid-summer qualifying event has been axed this year, with each Rose selected locally taking part in a qualifying process in Tralee on August 17 or 18. They'll find out on August 21 if they will be appearing on the televised selections on the following Monday and Tuesday, August 22 and 23.