International Rose Thanks South Side for Such a Warm Welcome!

Maggie McEdlowney, The Rose of Tralee, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago had the time of her life here in Chicago with 30 Roses and Escorts that were in Tralee with her the night she was crowned the International Rose. This is the first time in the history of the International Festival since 1959 that so many Roses and Escorts from all over the world came to Chicago for the St. Patrick’s festivities. One of the Roses came from as far as New Zealand.

They started the weekend off at Reilly’s Daughter, Oak Lawn for their Irish Coffee Contest and the following morning were up bright and early touring downtown Chicago. On Friday night, Maggie and the group were asked to light the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier GREEN with the ShamROCK Chicago 2017 Greenings. On Saturday morning, Maggie was honored on the altar during the Old St. Pat’s mass, then off to a brunch at the Beacon Tavern on Wabash sponsored by Jameson and then they were all in the downtown parade. Singing merrily along the way. “Her Eye’s they shone like the diamonds, you’d think she was queen of the land!” They brought such enthusiasm to the parade, but they were only just beginning this fun-filled weekend. They then ended up at Lizzie McNeals, where the owner had them bypass the line and made sure they toasted this very special weekend.

Sunday morning Maggie’s mother and father hosted them all at their house with a cup of tea along with the Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD. Joining her was Consul General, Brian O’Brien and the Vice Consul General, Ragnar Almqvist. Then on to the South Side Irish Parade! The South Side Irish Committee made sure she was very welcome by having a float ready for her that said, “The South Side Irish Salutes the Rose of Tralee.” Maggie was thrilled by the warm reception and the entire group of Roses and Escorts had the time of their lives being in this parade.

That evening, Maggie was off to O’Hare Airport to board a plane to visit Ireland during their St. Patrick’s Festivities. She cannot thank the South Side Irish Committee, The Downtown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Celtic Chicago, Jameson, Reilly’s Daughter, Rhino Bar, Cork & Kerry, Fado, Lizzie McNeals her parents, The Skinny & Houli Show, 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Consul General, Brian O’Brien and the Vice Consul, Ragnar Almqvist for making this a very special weekend for all of her Rose & Escort Guests. “I am sure they will be back to Chicago for years to come to help celebrate the Chicago St. Patrick’s weekend! They were embraced with open arms.”

Maggie is encouraging all ladies from Chicago to put their application in for the Chicago Rose of Tralee Selection to be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Ridge Country Club. You must be between the ages of 18-27 to become a Chicago Rose. Who knows, it could be you jetting off to Tralee, Ireland this August to represent our fine City at the seven-day festival, two-night televised event! To apply visit: www.chicagoroseoftralee.com. The deadline for applications is April 1st!