Martha ready for the most glamorous, hectic and exciting week of her life
There is less than seven days to go until the 2010 Rose of Tralee is crowned. For Ballinamore's Martha Gilheaney this week will be the most glamorous, hectic and exciting week of her life.
The Leitrim Rose told the paper that she is in for a "jam packed week." The 32 Roses started their tour of Ireland on Monday, August 16 and the dream 'week' will not finish until the Rose of Tralee is selected on Tuesday night, August 24.
Despite the excitement, travelling, preparations and scheduled meetings and events Martha made time to give the Leitrim Observer a few words, describe her week and look towards the selection night.
Martha is fourth favourite to take the Rose of Tralee title, last month she was in top place to take the Rose crown on Paddy Power, but the betting giants have now placed Down, Carlow and Kerry Roses before our Leitrim lass.
The 25-year-old dance facilitator/choreographer at the Shaylyn Group which she established with her sisters explained the sensational schedule she has in front of her this week.
"Tomorrow night we have a photo shoot with Daithi O Se and interviews with RTE. This week we fit in visits to Newbridge to sort out jewellery, we have lunch with ambassadors, visit Kilmainham Jail and the Guinness Brewery," before they move on to Ballinasloe, Birr, Banagher, Clare and Limerick.
This Friday, August 20 the Roses arrive in Tralee, where the party really gets started. "It is going to get even crazier in Tralee, it moves up to fifth gear there," Martha explained. Each day is scheduled from 10am until 11pm with the judges watching their every move.
When asked how she was going to look her best everyday and keep up with the demanding schedule, Martha let us in on a little Rose of Tralee secret: Barocca!
"I am hoping that Barocca and adrenalin will get me through the week," she laughed.
Martha said the place can be a little crazy with 32 Roses frantically running around, but she said everyone is lovely and she has been paired up with the beautiful Sydney Rose Louise Lenihan for the week. Louise is also an Irish dancer so the two have much in common.
Martha is looking forward to meeting her escort in Tralee on Friday and also her little Rose bud (a young girl who will accompany each Rose).
Martha also revealed that she is keeping a very close eye on her luggage since an incident last month when her bag was stolen from the train. "I know it wasn't my fault it was stolen but it has made me very paranoid about my possessions."
The televised Rose of Tralee Selection nights are next Monday and Tuesday, August 23 and 24. Although only a week away, Martha said she has not had a chance to get nervous yet. She does not know whether she will be selected to do a party piece, but said if she is she will do a "few reel steps" and nothing too complicated because her dress has quite a full skirt.
Martha is well used to performing in front of large crowds. She has danced on You’re A Star, appeared on Seoige and O’Shea and also performed with the Shaylyn Group at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, off-Broadway, and throughout Europe.
Martha wishes to thank everyone who has supported her as the Leitrim Rose. Her fan page on Facebook has over 1,000 fans and she has been inundated with best wishes from Ballinamore, throughout the county and all over the country.
The Gilheaney family and a wider group from Ballinamore and Leitrim will travel down to support Martha in Tralee this weekend.
Martha hopes she can do everyone proud at the Rose of Tralee, but the talented lady has already done the county proud and everyone wishes her an enjoyable and fun week at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
The Leitrim Rose will be interviewed live on stage at the Dome in Tralee by Daithi O’Se on Monday or Tuesday, August 23/24 on RTE1 from 8pm.
The 2010 Rose of Tralee will be presented with the perpetual tiara and trophy, a magnificent selection of Newbridge Jewellery, the use of a car for a year and a p25,000 World Prize from the Pilot Training College.
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Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
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