Mayo Rose Nicole is tipped for Tralee glory

CHARITY worker and Mayo Rose Nicole Loughlin is the firm favourite to be crowned the Rose of Tralee and wear the winner's sash next week, writes Claire McNamara.

But the 22-year-old insists she is not fazed by the fact that she is tipped to win and that it is a true honour to represent her friends, family, the community of Shrule and the county of Mayo in this year's festival.

"While it is great to know the support is there, the judges make the decision regardless of what odds I am at".

Nicole, who is from Caher, in Shrule, has just finished her degree in maths and education in NUIG and has been involved in charity work which has seen her build a primary school in Malawi.

Her connection to Malawi is her uncle, who has lived there for almost 12 years and, last August, she embarked on a trip to volunteer in Open Arms Infant Home which cares for orphans and vulnerable children.

"My experience in the orphanage was so uplifting and inspiring, it gave me a whole new perspective.

"It was deeply enriching to volunteer and ignited a fire in me that made me want to do something profound.

“I started fundraising when I returned home to build a school in Malawi and to contribute to lives of these amazing people.

“From there, my campaign 'Let's Make it Happen' evolved and garnered huge support from the generous people in the west of Ireland.

“Our initial target when we began fundraising was to raise €11,000 but we exceeded that and instead raised €27,500.

“We required 30 volunteers per day to build the school six days a week, and it was liberating to see the number of people show up to lend their support.

“While it was fantastic to raise more money than anticipated, it will go towards a new library and further develop the area.

“Since I was crowned the Mayo Rose, the competition has given me so many opportunities to talk about the work I have done and the impact it has made on the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

“One of the main reasons I entered is the travel element that is involved. Even if I am not crowned the Rose of Tralee, the duties of being the Mayo Rose will still ensue for the year, which is a great privilege. “

She is also eager to stress that the competition is still relevant today going into its 60th year.

"It holds strong traditions and is a celebration of Irish culture. It's far from the lovely girl competition, with each girl having a unique story and that is what makes them who they are.”

Meanwhile, the people of Mayo have been great in gifting her outfits for the festival, while her stage dress for the night is from Harper in Galway.

Her parents, Kieran and Kathleen, along with seven of her siblings and two-month-old baby nephew, Cayden, whom she is godmother too, will be travelling to Tralee for the event.

"Unfortunately, my eldest sister, who is living in Australlia, is not able to make the trip, but its great all the rest of my family will be there and it will be extra special as my parents will be 25 years married during the festival.

"I am so looking forward to the event and I hope to represent Mayo to the best of my ability and have fun".

* The Rose of Tralee will be broadcast by RTÉ over two nights, Monday amd Tuesday, August 26 and 27.

The winner will be announced at the end of the second broadcast on Tuesday evening.