The Skellig Coast Rose Contest, held on Friday night in Foilmore, was an unforgettable event with an impressive turnout of over 350 attendees. The contest, hosted by Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM, featured 15 Roses and 13 Escorts competing for the coveted titles of Skellig Coast Rose and Escort.
Kelsey Lang McCarty, sponsored by McGill Construction, emerged as the winner of the Skellig Coast Rose title and will now advance to compete in the Kerry Rose selection in May. Meanwhile, Alan Smith, sponsored by 3D Designs, was crowned Skellig Coast Escort and has a chance to be selected as an Escort for the International festival.
The Skellig Rose contest is a community-driven initiative that brings together the Cahersiveen Community Alliance, Skellig Coast Tourism Network, and Skellig Stars Special Olympics Club to organize and support the event. This year's contest also served as a fundraiser for the Skellig Stars Special Olympics Club, with all profits contributing towards the development of an eight-lane running track.
Denis Daly, the Chairman of the Skellig Stars Special Olympics Club, expressed gratitude for the funds raised and emphasized their importance in advancing the club's development. The Skellig Coast Rose Contest not only provides entertainment but also supports the community.
Richie O'Connell, Chairman of the Cahersiveen Alliance and one of the organizers, expressed his delight at the success of the event and his excitement for its return, which is expected to be even bigger next year. He also expressed gratitude to his fellow committee members, Oonagh Walsh, Maureen O'Donnell, and Hazel Griffen for their hard work and dedication.
Special thanks go to Dermot Walsh of Supervalu, the main sponsor of the night, as well as Goggins Trips & Tours for sponsoring the bus, buds & blooms for the flowers, San Antoine B&B for providing accommodation, and DJ Atlantic for providing music at the after party.
Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the following businesses for sponsoring the event's prizes: Fogarty's Centra for the best banner, Caroline Fox Hair Salon for the best dressed award, Skelligs Chocolates for the Escort Prize, and Dooley's for the rose prize.
They would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all the amazing roses and escorts who participated in the competition. Emma Fitzgerald, Leanne O'Neill, Kelsey McCarthy, Catherine O'Connell, Shauna O'Grady, Ciara Devlin, Saidbh Ni Bhraonain, Lisa O'Sullivan, Saidhbh O'Sullivan, Alannah O'Shea, Sarah O'Shea, Aoife Murphy, Ciara Sheehan, Corinna Geary O Sullivan, and Emer Sugrue, your presence made the event more special and unforgettable. We also want to thank our outstanding escorts Mark Sugrue, Alan Curran, Jacob Haigh, Jeremiah Moran, Declan Moran, David O'Sullivan, Austin Murphy, Alan Smith, Brian Smith, Ronan Quinlan, Sammy Behrens, and Cillene Riordan, who have made a significant contribution to the event's success. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm.
We would also like to express our appreciation to the businesses who sponsored the Rose and escorts, including Siopashoo, Atlantic Grill Ballinskelligs, McGill Construction, O'Neills Pharmacy, Puffins Childcare, St Mary's GAA, Browne's Shop, Skellig Vistor Experience, Daly's Cahersiveen, The Villa, Miller's Meats, Skellig Holiday Homes, The Ring of Kerry Hotel, Cable O'Leary's, O'Neill's The Point, O'Leary Collins Vets, Cahersiveen Tidy Towns, Aspire Fitness, The Anchor Bar, Caitíns of Kells, O'Connors Pharmacy, 3DS-Design, Shear Barbers, Portmagee Whiskey and Skellig Coast Cabs.
Overall, the Skellig Coast Rose Contest was an exceptional night, showcasing entertainment, community spirit, and fundraising. Congratulations to Kelsey Lang McCarty and Alan Smith for winning the Skellig Coast Rose and Escort titles, respectively. We eagerly await the contest's return next
