Mayo native announced as Chair of Rose of Tralee judging panel

Luzveminda O’Sullivan, a Castlebar native, has been announced as Chair of the judging panel for this year's Rose of Tralee festival.

The former winner of the festival is a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry with more than 20 years’ experience and returns to the Festival as often as possible since her triumph in 1998.

The fate of who will become the 64th Rose of Tralee lies in the hands of the four distinguished judges from August 16-20.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s judging panel, Ms O’Sullivan called it a ‘special honour’ to be a part of the international judging panel for 2024. 

“The Rose of Tralee is an important, positive and significant part of my life and has been for many years now. I am very much looking forward to meeting all of this year’s Roses and choosing our 2024 International Rose of Tralee, who will embark on what will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience. 

“I am 100 percent confident that together with the other judges, we will choose the next worthy ambassador for this wonderful Festival and all that it encompasses,” she continued.

Last year's Mayo Rose, Kate Heneghan, also from Castlebar was highly tipped to win the festival.

Returning to the panel this year is Nuala Carey of RTÉ Weather and National Lottery, as well as Galway broadcaster who is head of Sport with Galway Bay FM and was recently elected as a local councillor, Ollie Turner.

The final member of the 2024 Judging Panel is international fashion designer to the stars and proud Kerryman, Don O’Neill. 

The National Rose Tour begins on Sunday, August 11, with the festival itself taking place from Friday 16 to Tuesday the 20 of August. 

Audience tickets for RTÉ’s two live televised Selection Nights on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 August are available via the Rose of Tralee website.