The Rose of Tralee: Fifty Years a-Blooming

'provides a great nostalgic look back at the history of an enduring and popular event which continues to capture the imagination of us in Ireland and the many Irish communities around the world' (Liffey Champion)

'exhaustively researched' (Sunday Independent)

'a glossy new publication from the pen of respected Tralee historian and writer T. Ryle Dwyer ... a labour of love' (The Kingdom)

'captures the glory days of the Rose' (The Kerryman)

'Dwyer has done a splendid job, and the book serves as a piece of social history, as well as a coffee table souvenir’ (Irish Times)

'T. Ryle Dwyer’s affectionate coffee-tabler' (Books Ireland)

A wonderful, full-colour celebratory book to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the unique event that is The Rose of Tralee International Festival. The Rose selection reaches a television audience of millions, as well as attracting thousands of people to Tralee.

T. Ryle Dwer’s lyrical text traces the history of the Rose and is packed full of fascinating detail on the events that accompany the Festival, from the donkey derbies and Tug-o-Wars of yesteryear, to the spectacular fireworks and street celebrations of today’s Festival. Over 200 photographs will record the crowds, the supporters, the Rose parades, the personalities, with nostalgic shots of Festivals past.

Everything is here: the Newbridge Silver crown, the dresses, the displays of talent – from slip jigs to humorous verse; the escorts, the comperes, the venues.

There is a listing of every entrant for the past fifty years and the country/county she represented, as well as details and a picture of each of the winning Roses.

The 2009 Rose of Tralee Festival is on soon - check out

www.roseoftralee.ie
for more details!