Although the Co Kildare Rose of Tralee had a 'brilliant' experience, she admits that the selection process at the Rose of the Dome was not carried out in a proper manner.
23- year-old Physiotherapy student, Meadhbh O'Sullivan, from Newbridge, criticised the selection process for the final part of the Rose of Tralee.
She said: "It was the way we were told, RTE has apologised to us. We had to be up and ready at 6.45am. Myself and my room-mate did not get a knock on the door until 7.45am. We were not given anything to eat, we were tired and hungry. I was given a white rose, my room-mate was given a red rose, we went into separate rooms and did not see anymore of eachother."
Despite this shortcoming, Meadhbh would love to take part in the Rose of Tralee again.
The daughter of Sean and Deirdre O'Sullivan, said: "It was actually really brilliant. It was a fairy-tale. The parade was the highlight. There was an unique atmosphere."
Being the Co Kildare rose was a dream come true for Meadhbh.
She said: "It was something that I was always interested in, something that I grew up with."
This year's Rose of Tralee contest sparked some controversy with ,Sydney Rose Brianna Parkins for speaking out in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment and criticising the Rose of Tralee for resembling “a great big Kate Middleton impersonation contest”.
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