Local Roses reveal their secrets
ATHLONE’S two representatives in the famous Rose of Tralee are Retreat’s Lisa O’Halloran and Tang’s Aisling Farrell.
Lisa will be representing Liverpool where she has lived for seven years, while Aisling represents Co. Longford. Both will be terribly excited as the build-up to next Monday and Tuesday’s live Rose of Tralee Selection Nights at the Festival Dome. Tonight, both participants will attend the International Rose Ball in the Dome, which marks the official opening of the Festival.
Here is the ‘ON THE SPOT’ question and answer sessions both Lisa and Aisling kindly agreed to carry out with the Westmeath Independent earlier this week.
Aisling’s ANSWERS:
Earliest Rose memory?
My nanny Josie from Newtowncashel was a huge Rose of Tralee fan, we watched it with her. Unfortunately she is not with us as she’d have loved all this. She’d have been screaming her head off at the television.
Who will be your biggest cheerleader in the Dome?
My mum Susan McKenna. I’ve lost count of the amount of shopping trips we’ve been on at this stage since I became Longford Rose. We’d had an absolute ball, she has come to all the events I’ve been involved with.
Best advice ever given?
Be yourself and have fun.
Favourite film/TV show?
I’ve started watching Suits lately, it’s really good.
Favourite food?
Probably strawberries and cream.
Best concert you have ever attended?
That’s a tough one, the best one until last year was Beyonce in the Point. Me and my sister queued all day for it. I saw Calvin Harris in Loolapoolza in Chicago last summer and he was amazing, I’m a huge fan. That was best concert I’ve ever been at.
Hidden talent?
We’ll have to come back to that one!
Dream date?
Channing Tatum (of Magic Mike fame) or my boyfriend Adam!
Favourite holiday destination?
Florida. I went with my family two or three years ago and I’d love to go back.
If money was no issue what’s first on your to-do list?
I’d buy a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, or probably a few pairs!
LISA’S ANSWERS:
Earliest Rose/childhood memory?
“I used the watch the Rose of Tralee with the whole family and we would stay up late to see it. My earliest memory is of Gay Byrne having to help the ladies with their dresses when they performed Irish dancing on-stage”.
Who will be your biggest cheerleader in the Dome?
“I don’t think I could pick out any one person. My whole family will be there supporting me and I am very appreciative of their support”.
Best advice ever given?
“I was told from a young age to stay true to myself and not to change for anybody. Just to be true to yourself and to be happy and comfortable with myself”.
Person you must admire and why?
“Karen Brady, who was running Birmingham City Football Club at the age of 23, is a huge influence. She has made such an impact in a predominantly male-dominated industry and is an inspiration”.
Favourite film/TV show?
“The Big Bang Theory is my favourite programme”.
Favourite food?
“You can’t beat the old Irish Stew, especially when you’re living away from home”.
Best concert you have ever attended?
“It wasn’t a concert as such but seeing Rodrigo y Gabriela at Electric Picnic - they were amazing”.
Hidden talent?
“I enjoy academic and recreational writing but I wouldn’t say that I have a hidden talent that would shock anybody”.
Favourite holiday destination?
“The favourite place I have been was Croatia and I would love to go to Bora Bora”.