A Ballymacnab girl has been crowned Armagh Rose 2014 and aspires to be the first ever crowned Rose of Tralee from the county.
Armagh Rose Nicola O’Hare
Nicola O’Hare a subway field support manager at Evron Foods won the coveted crown during the contest finale in Armagh City Hotel in front of a packed house on Saturday 19th of April.
Nicola impressed the panel of judges with her charm and personality – giving her the winning edge over eight other finalists to acquire the coveted crown from previous titleholder Emma Gribben.
All the Roses did their friends, families and communities extremely proud, giving the audience a fantastic nights entertainment with all their talents on display.
Nicola is very proud to be representing her much loved county Armagh in this international competition this coming weekend which is in its 55th year and will see 32 Roses converge on Tralee in August.
The rose of Tralee has been a tradition for the O’Hare Family, from Nicola was a very young girl she would sit with all her family watching in awe hoping that one day she would follow in the foot steps of the winning roses.
As well as winning the title Nicola received a list of prizes a Newbridge Silverware jewellery set, a photo-shoot with hair by celebrity hairdresser Keris Weir (MG Hair) and make up artist Carla Baile (Pretty Flamingo Boutique), Fab beauty donated a gift voucher , a bespoke head piece from millinery by Mairead Wear and a statement scarf from Curiosity Boutique Lurgan and Absolute beauty a voucher for nails.
Nicola commented: “I am so privileged to represent the county of Armagh in this years Rose of Tralee Regional festival. Everyone in Armagh has been so kind and supportive since I have been selected and i would like to thank all involved who have helped me prepare for Portlaoise from family and friends, all my sponsors and to those who have sent messages to wish me well.
“I have been truly overwhelmed of the generosity of my county we are a small county but a very tight knit one! I have enjoyed meeting lots of new people for the last number of weeks and I am truly proud to be representing such a wonderful county in the rose of Tralee festival, I promise to do my best to do you all proud.
“I have always been a big fan of the Rose of Tralee and have watched it each year with my family. It is a dream come true that i have got the opportunity this year to go to Portlaoise and to possibly be the first Armagh Rose of Tralee. It would be such an honour.
“I have loved every minute of my experience as the Armagh Rose so far, it was been wonderful making true friends with the other eight girls from the Armagh selection aswell as the eight Ulster roses.
“I look forward to meeting the other roses down in Portlaoise, i know it will be an unforgettable experience.
“My chosen charity this year is Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) which is a charity i hold very dear to me. I will be organising events and fund raising activities throughout the year in aid of NICHS so please do get involved.”
To help Nicola prepare and get ready to take on Portlaoise she has had great support from local Business who have a been extremely kind and helpful and to them we are truly indebted.
‘Bella Me’ a new and up coming dress boutique filled with gorgeous designer dresses have kindly sponsored her stage dress which will glitter under the spot light.
Armagh Rose Nicola O’Hare
‘Bows’ of Newry for the stunning day dress for the official parade where she will show case both dress and her bespoke head piece by millinery by Mairead.
Lily pink of Markethill have kindly sponsored Nicola two dress for her individual interview and opening ceremony.
John Owens for the photo shoot that helped showcase Nicola and the breath taking sights of Armagh.
John also produced the video that will be shown on the night in Portlaoise. Ivy blossom a new young and trendy dress hire company has sponsored Nicola a stunning gown for Friday nights selection night.
Nicola’s elegant head piece for Sunday mass has been sponsored by fascinating hats of Blackwatertown.
