Cory Kilbane
The first ever Hong Kong Rose will have a large Mayo following on her trip to Tralee in August.
Over recent years Mayo and Kerry have bonded over the annual Rose of Tralee, especially when Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh, who was raised in Shrule, won the competition in 2014.
This year the bonds are further strengthened, as Mayo can boast two roses from opposite sides of the world – Newport native Claire McManamon, the South California Rose, and Mary Kenny, the Hong Kong Rose, whose family hails from Belcarra, near Castlebar.
History-maker
Clarissa Langley Coleman will be the first ever Hong Kong Rose representative in the Rose of Tralee this August.
The 25 year old’s grandmother Mary Kenny, who sadly passed away a number of years ago, was a native of Welshpool, Belcarra, and resided there in her family home. Her mother now resides at the same location.
Speaking to the media early last week, the Rose said “Whenever I go back home I get to see mum, I get to see where my grandma grew up and lived. All the cousins live there as well; it’s a really special place.”
The film producer hopes to get the chance to perform ‘Danny Boy’ in Chinese as her party piece on the night of the festival.
