OFFICIAL programme

www.roseoftralee.ie | www.laoistourism.ie It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Rose of Regional Festival in I would also like to thank the key sponsors of the Portlaoise. I would like to particularly welcome the Irish & International Roses who have Rose of Tralee Regional Festival, including the travelled from near and far to County Laois. In 2013 the year of the Gathering we are Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, The Maldron Hotel, delighted to be hosting this event again here and we welcome all our visitors to Portlaoise Portlaoise, Castle Durrow & Dan Morrisey Ltd. and the County, and wish you all a memorable and enjoyable stay. I hope you all have a very enjoyable weekend and Laois County Council through its elected members and management is endeavoring to look forward to meeting you again in the future. promote and develop Portlaoise and County Laois as a key events centre in Ireland and this festival is one of the drivers of the process. County Laois and Portlaoise promises Peter Carey to be a hive of activity during the June Bank Holiday weekend with the Rose of Tralee Laois County Manager Regional Festival and the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run, which has become an Chairperson Laois Tourism Committee. integral part of the festival.

I am delighted to welcome you to the Rose of Tralee This is the year of The Gathering – a concept similar to what the Rose of Tralee International Regional Festival 2013. It’s a particular privilege to extend Festival has been delivering for over 50 years. We are delighted that this year’s International a special welcome to all those who have travelled from Festival in Tralee will embrace The Gathering as we invite all those who have had connections America, Britain, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle with the Rose of Tralee to come and celebrate this special year with us in Kerry. We have planned East and from all over Ireland to celebrate with us this many extra events for people of all ages including JLS in Concert, The Stunning, Sharon Shannon weekend. and many more parades, fireworks and air displays. Each year over 1,000 young women participate in Rose of Finally, I hope you enjoy your time in Portlaoise and we look forward to seeing you in Tralee events worldwide and this year sees the biggest Tralee for the Rose of Tralee International Festival and Rose Gathering from 14th to 20th August gathering of Roses at any one single event. It is my this year. pleasure, on behalf of the entire Rose of Tralee family to congratulate the 61 Roses who are here with us, on Le gach dea-ghuí, being chosen to represent their regions, states, counties Front cover: 2011 Rose of Tralee, and countries. Oliver Hurley Queensland Rose Tara Talbot Each lady is an outstanding ambassador and exemplifies General Manager, Rose of Tralee International Festival the true spirit of modern young Irish women.

As Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Bennett Committee and the Traders and people of the town of Portlaoise and to County Laois for the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013. Co. Laois. We are delighted to be associated with the Rose of Tralee International Festival again this I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the year. This Festival has gone from strength to strength over the years and attracts huge Roses the very best of luck over the coming days. media attention. County Laois is ideally situated to host this Regional Festival, due to our Each of you is a credit to your family, community geographical position. and Rose Centre. I hope you enjoy your time here I would like to commend Laois County Council and the Board of Laois Tourism for all their in County Laois and we hope to see you returning efforts in the organisation of the Regional Festival here. here in the future. I would also like to acknowledge the support given to this festival from Laois Partnership Company, the Hotels, the Vintners association, Chamber of Commerce, The Gordan Cllr Paul Mitchell Chairman Laois County Council

The Rose of Tralee International Festival celebrates generous support and commitment over the past five years has seen the event flourish and the broader Irish family of some 70 million people. grow to what is now a major highlight on the Rose of Tralee calendar. To the Portlaoise You have joined that celebration through your Heritage Hotel, the Maldron Hotel and Castle Durrow Country House Hotel, who once participation in this gathering in Portlaoise. again have been outstanding hosts, our sincere thanks. To the people of Laois, thank you for opening up your towns to welcome the friends, supporters and families of the Rose of Sponsorship is key to the running of any festival Tralee, we are extremely grateful for your support. and we are especially grateful to Newbridge Silverware who remain a strong supporter and Welcome, enjoy the festivities and family fun, and thank you for taking the time and lead sponsor of the Rose of Tralee International showing the generosity to be part of this occasion. Festival for many years now. A special thank you to Regional Festival hosts Anthony O’Gara - Laois Tourism and Laois County Council. Their Executive Chairman, Rose of Tralee International Festival

Check out our website for all the latest news on this year’s festival at www.roseoftralee.ie • Buy tickets on-line • Roses and Escort Profiles • Festival History • Festival Programme • How to be a Rose and more... 22 2013 OfficiaL PROGRAMME She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 3 Welcome

A Message from the Rose of Tralee 2012 Greetings to you all and welcome to Portlaoise! I can’t believe it has been a year since I took part in the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival, which I can only say was an incredible experience. It is one of the main highlights of my whole Rose journey. This is where you get a real taste of what the festival is all about and make great friends along the way. It is the best feeling to see your family and friends supporting you in the crowd. No matter what, they will be so proud of you and that is incredible! Getting to Tralee is a bonus but all of the girls that take part are still Roses for the year in their own areas. I met so many wonderful Roses and made a new group of great friends. We stayed at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel which was superb and we met with many of the local Laois business people who were so kind with their hospitality. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Laois County Council and the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise for treating us so well. I personally had never been to Laois before but was so impressed by every place we visited. Becoming the 2012 Rose of Tralee was an added bonus on to what had been an incredible time in my life. Since becoming the Rose of Tralee I have been involved in local community events and I have rubbed shoulders with a host of Irish celebrities, graced the pages of magazines, newspapers, and made television and radio appearances all of which have been incredible fun! Undoubtedly, my highlight was travelling to the United States last March for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York and Washington and catching up with the roses of 2012 over there while walking down Fifth Avenue in the Parade. I also travelled to the White House and met with President Obama which was a huge moment for me! Of course the Rose of Tralee is about so much more than just its glamorous side. Another highlight was when I travelled to Kolkata in India last October with the Hope Foundation and that was a tough week but a very rewarding experience. The organisation works tirelessly to ensure the protection, education and nurture of street children in Kolkata. I was given an insight into the horrible reality of slum life, and the grim poverty that is everyday life for the population of Kolkata. I have also worked with our other charity partner for the year, Epilepsy Ireland, to raise awareness of the condition and travelled to Belarus with other 2012 Roses and Escorts to volunteer for Chernobyl Children’s International. It was a life changing experience to say the least and one that I will cherish. I am so grateful for the opportunity to make any difference I can and to be inspired by the incredible people who work tirelessly for these organisations. I would like to wish all the Roses the very best of luck as they take to the stage with Dáithí over the course of the weekend, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience and remember ‘once a rose, always a rose’. Nicola McEvoy Rose of Tralee 2012

Dáithí Ó Sé Dáithí Ó Sé has presented a variety of programmes on RTÉ presenter and presented a variety of programmes including Glór including Today, The Daily Show and The Rose of Tralee and was a Tíre, Dáithí ar Highway 61 and Dáithí ar Route 66. Before becoming judge on The All Ireland Talent Show for three series. He will also a weather presenter Dáithí worked as a teacher, a butcher, a ferry present on a new summer series called Epic Walks. driver around the Blasket Islands and even a short stint as a ringmaster with Duffy’s Circus. Dáithí has presented The Rose of Tralee three times on RTÉ since 2010 and helped deliver the most watched Rose final in over a Dáithí has a long association with the Rose of Tralee International decade. Dáithí also took part in The Restaurant, RTÉ’s Celebrity Festival. He was the Chairperson of the Judging Panel in Tralee on You’re A Star in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation and Celebrities two occasions, including 2009 when he was the Chairperson of the Go Wild for the People in Need Telethon. Originally from Dingle panel in the Festival’s celebratory 50th year. This will be his third in , Dáithí studied in Mary Immaculate College in outing as the Selection Host at the Regional Festival in Portlaoise. . He worked with TG4 for over 10 years as a weather

Portlaoise Taxi Service Co-Op +353 (0)57 862 2417 Useful Telephone Numbers Portlaoise Train Station +353 (0)57 862 1303 Portlaoise Tourist Office +353 (0)57 862 1178 J.J. Kavanagh Coaches +353 (0)56 883 1106 Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise +353 (0)57 862 1364 Aircoach +353 (0)1 844 7118 Portlaoise Garda Station +353 (0)57 862 1105 Portlaoise Fire Station +353 (0)57 862 1323 Laois County Council +353 (0)57 866 4000 4 2012 OfficiaL PROGRAMME Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 5 (subject to change)

Wednesday 29th May

7.30pm Dinner & Entertainment in the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise

Thursday 30th May 10.00am Some Roses visit Portlaoise Educate Together School 12.30pm Lunch for International Roses & Judges in Portlaoise Heritage Hotel 2.00pm Some Roses depart to visit Emo House & Gardens 5.30pm Dinner in Maldron Hotel Portlaoise 7.30-9.30pm Rose Gathering Street Disco with iRadio’s Simon Murdoch at The Top Square, Portlaoise (Roses arrive at 8pm until 9.30pm) 9.45 – 11pm Roses visit twinned pubs

Friday 31st May 10.30am Some Roses visit “The Den” Playschool – Road) 12.15pm All Roses & Judges lunch in Portlaoise Heritage Hotel 2.00pm Official opening of the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013 - Civic Plaza (Reception with Cathaoirleach, local dignitaries, Rose Buds and more) 3.30pm Roses & Rose Bud party at Portlaoise Heritage Hotel 8.00pm Regional Festival Selection Night 1 hosted by Daithi O Se, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel 11.30pm Singsong in Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Saturday 1st June 9.45am Some Roses depart for International Soccer Tournament in Leisure Centre, Portlaoise 12.00pm Buffet lunch in Maldron Hotel Portlaoise 1.45pm Vintage Car Rose Parade 2.30pm Entertainment on Civic Plaza 3.30pm Roses visit Twinned Pubs 8.00pm Regional Festival Selection Night 2 hosted by Daithi O Se, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Sunday 2nd June 11.00am Some Roses attend Mass in Abbeyleix 12.15-12.45pm Some Roses to visit Abbeyleix Hospital 12.15-12.45pm Some Roses to visit Dove House 1.00pm Lunch in Castle Durrow with Rose Centres & Judges 8.00pm Regional Festival Selection Night 3 hosted by Daithi O Se, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel 11.00pm Judges retire to make decision 11.20pm Announcement on stage

Monday 3rd June 10.00am Photo Shoot with Selected Roses & Daithi O Se

6 Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 7 Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013

Come along and watch the spectacle!

There will be lots of activities for everyone around the Civic Plaza Portlaoise, from bands, face painters and dance groups.

Saturday, 1st June Antrim Armagh Clare 1.30pm Assemble at Civic Plaza, County Hall, Portlaoise Jean Daly Emma Gribben Gillian Tierney Ciara Cunningham Marie Donnellan in association with Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run 2013.

1.45pm Departure of Parade of Vintage Cars with Roses & Rose Buds through the Streets of Portlaoise. The route will depart Civic Plaza, along James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Main Street, back to James Fintan Lalor Avenue and back to County Hall.

Derry Down Fermanagh Gemma Blair Catherine McCarron Sarah McKegney Julie Ann McCaffrey Kate Kennedy

Kildare Laois Leitrim Limerick Hannah Ryan Lorna Fennelly Sarah Conlon Edwina Guckian Chloe Heslin

Longford Louth Mayo Meath Aisling Farrell Sarah McCrave Edwenia O’Malley Cliodhna Russell

8 8 9 Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013 Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013

Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Tipperary Philadelphia San Francisco Southern California Texas Washington DC Eleanor McQuaid Donna Collison Orla Gately Olwyn Parslow Aoife Shanley Brittany Killion Fiona Tolley Laura Rose Walsh Haley O’Sullivan Lauren DeBueriis

Tyrone Westmeath Wicklow Derby London Newcastle Upon Tyne Joanne O’Neill Ellen Flahavan Shauna Coyne Laura Connick Sarah Whelan Ilona Flannigan Lisa O’Halloran Grace Kenny Marie McDermott Rachael Blacklock

Arizona Boston & New England Chicago Denver Kentucky Scotland Sunderland Newfoundland Ottawa Holly Nordquist Deirdre Buckley Bridget Conway Jessica Lesser Savannah Miller Emily Crosby Ciara O’Driscoll Collette Hesketh Erica Halfyard Keira Kilmartin

New Orleans New York North Carolina Ohio Toronto Western Canada Abu Dhabi Dubai Molly Molloy Gambel Katie Mulholland Jessica Giggey Kelsey Higgins Shannon Rushe Rachel Flynn Sara Moffatt Caroline Callaghan

10 2013 OfficiaL PROGRAMME 11 Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013

France Germany Luxembourg Melbourne Laura Walsh Elaine Zaunseder Laura Droog Christine McGrattan

Irish Regional Judging Panel

Luzveminda O’Sullivan Declan Meagher Dawn Quinn 1998 Rose of Tralee Carlton Hotel Group Irish Greyhound Board Chairperson

International Judging Panel

Brenda Hyland Byrne Bruno Gorisch Siobhan Russell 1983 Rose of Tralee Dalata Hotel Group RTé Chairperson 12 2013 OfficiaL PROGRAMME That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 13 What to do & see

Some Tourism & Heritage Highlights Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum See the rooms Why not visit the Slieve Bloom Mountains – walking, horseback or by car? From the of an Irish workhouse almost exactly as it summit of Mount Arderin on a clear day, it is possible to see the highest points of all four appeared in the late 1800’s. THE Roses always add a splash of radiant colour to the midlands when Portlaoise plays of the ancient provinces. The magnificent mountain range, teeming with wildlife, offers an almost unlimited range of activities including walking, cycling, car-touring, heritage host to the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival. Irish Fly-Fishing & Game shooting Museum, tours and equestrian trails. Attanagh The only museum of its kind in Europe, it explores 300 years of hunting and 2013 will be no different and most of the fun and excitement that the Roses experience County Laois is steeped in heritage and folklore and a well-signposted Heritage Trail runs fishing in Ireland. would not be possible without the support of our sponsors in County Laois. through the county. Stradbally is home to Stradbally Hall Estate and hosts a number of activities such as This event, now a Regional Festival has been transformed dramatically over the past six Emo Court & Gardens Visit the spectacular Emo Court and Gardens, just 4 miles point-to-point racing, paintball, the annual Stradbally Steam Rally and . years since 2008 when Portlaoise first hosted the Roses and their families. from Portlaoise. One of the finest stately houses in Ireland, the house and gardens are Stradbally is home to the Stradbally Steam Museum and narrow gauge heritage railway. open to the public. The Portlaoise Heritage Hotel is a magnificent entertainment venue and ideally suited Mountmellick’s fine buildings are identified on its Heritage Trail. The Mountmellick to stage an event of this magnitude. The management and staff never fail to meet Heywood Gardens known as the ‘Secret Garden’, these beautiful gardens were Museum tells the story of Mountmellick’s rich Quaker past. the needs of all their guests including the Roses, Festival team, Judges and visiting created by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Admission is free. supporters. Vicarstown & Fisherstown These picturesque villages along the Grand Canal are The Rock of Dunamaise One of the great monuments and fortresses of Ireland a useful base for walking, cycling, boating, fishing and barge trips. This is also true of the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise where the Roses are always treated towers over the Portlaoise/Stradbally road, offering breathtaking views of the county. to great food and an enjoyable feast of music and dance at the start of their weekend. Heritage Town of Abbeyleix One of Ireland’s finest heritage towns, Abbeyleix is The Red Carpet will be rolled out again and again by all the event sponsors Laois a planned estate town. Abbeyleix Heritage House and Sexton’s Cottage are well worth Tourism, Laois County Council, the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, the Maldron Hotel a visit. Portlaoise, Castle Durrow, Dan Morrissey and Laois Partnership who combine to make the Regional Festival a major success. Round Tower of Timahoe Built in the 1100’s on the site of an earlier monastery, located in Timahoe. The entire local business community deserve much praise for embracing this Festival and for their overall hospitality and kindness to all the Roses and their families.

The Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run

THE Roses’ visit to Portlaoise would not be complete without taking a spin in a classic motor car dating back to before they were even born! The Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run is an event open to all vintage, veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and commercials registered prior to 1980. Participants will drive the historic Gordon Bennett Route over the June Bank Holiday weekend. On Friday 31st May, the Car Run will kick-off with a civic reception in the County Hall, Portlaoise at 7.30pm. On Saturday there is the Laois Heritage Run covering the Laois Heritage Trail. Assembly is at Treacy’s, The Heath, Portlaoise at 10.30am and the rally will commence no later than 11am. Optional gala dinner for €25 at The Gandon Inn, Emo, Portlaoise. Later on Saturday afternoon, the Roses and Rose Buds will be treated to a drive in some of these classic vehicles and they will be chauffeur-driven on a circuit of Portlaoise. Each year, the Roses describe their Gordon Bennett Car Experience as being the highlight of their weekend in Laois. On Sunday the Gordon Bennett Route takes place. This day will involve cars assembling at Treacy’s, The Heath, Portlaoise and giving them the opportunity to drive the original Gordon Bennett Route. The run is 104 miles with an optional run of 74 miles and will start at 11am. There will be a number of stops and refreshments en route. Run ends at The Gandon Inn for presentation of plaques and complimentary meal. On the final day participants will have the opportunity to take part in The Gandon Leisure Run starting from Treacy’s, The Heath at 11am with a complimentary barbeque.

14 2013 OfficiaL PROGRAMME Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 15 Looking back at the Regional Festival 2012 COUNTY Laois has been home to the Regional The Melbourne Rose, Claire Lynch said Festival of the Rose of Tralee since 2008 and this will her week was topped off with the meeting continue for another three years from 2013 to 2015. of the Rosebuds. “My rosebud Rebecca was a delight. Her mum informed me she The Regional Festival significantly enhance the had not slept for weeks with excitement profile of the Rose of Tralee and it is a major stepping about this event and that’s what the stone on each Rose’s journey to Tralee in August. Rose of Tralee does it effects all ages, to see Before she was crowned the 2012 Rose of Tralee, Rebecca full of so much excitement and pride Nicola McEvoy attended last year’s Portlaoise as we sat in the Vintage car I said to myself extravaganza as the Luxembourg Rose. this is why I entered the Rose of Tralee. Since leaving Portlaoise Rebecca’s mum has emailed “My experience at the Rose of Tralee Regional me to say that I made a positive impact on Festival in Portlaoise was fantastic. I met so many Rebecca and that she enjoyed every second wonderful Roses and made a new group of great of it, this is one thing that will stay with me friends. We stayed at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel forever.” which was superb. I personally had never been to Laois before but was so impressed by every place we On the final night, selection host Dáithí Ó Sé Portlaoise for the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival visited and the vintage car parade on the Saturday announced to a packed audience in the Portlaoise for another three years. The hosting of the Regional was definitely the highlight for me. We met with Heritage Hotel, the names of the 23 Roses who Festival in Laois puts the county firmly on the map many of the local Laois business people who were would be travelling to Tralee in August. as a national centre for major festivals and events. so kind with their hospitality,” said Nicola. The Monaghan Rose, Caoimhe Flanagan, summed The Rose of Tralee brand is firmly established Throughout a wonderful weekend, Roses from up the experience: “We were treated like royalty for and recognised worldwide and Laois will benefit Ireland, Australia, USA, Canada, Dubai, Luxembourg, the five days in Portlaoise with the finest of cuisine significantly from its continued association with the Great Britain and Germany all enjoyed a carnival and most incredible events planned.” Festival. atmosphere with a vintage Car Parade, funfair and The people of Laois are excited about welcoming This year’s Regional Festival will undoubtedly visits to the magnificent Killenard Golf Club, Emo their friends from all over the world back to present the 2013 Roses and their families with a House and Castle Durrow. lifetime of happy memories following a spectacular weekend.

1616 OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 17 Maldron Hotel Portarlington The Club House Restaurant Where to eat Togher Roundabout, Portlaoise Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard T: +353 (0)57 869 5900 The Candied Walnut T: +353 (0)57 864 5500 Portlaoise Breakfast: Fri, 7.00am - 10.00am; Portarlington. Open: Daily, 12.00pm - 9.00pm Open Tue/Wed 9-5; Thur/Fri 9-3 & 5.30 to late; Restaurants (Evening) Sat, Sun & Mon 7.00am - 11.00am Full menu each day Carvery: Fri, Sat & Mon 12.30pm - 3.00pm; Sat 11-3 & 5.30 to late; Sun 12.30-3 & 5.30 to Spagos Restaurant Sun, 12.30pm - 8.30pm late; Bank Holiday 11-5. T: 057 8636360 Slieve Bloom Bar Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise Dinner: Fri, Sat & Mon 5.30pm - 8.00pm Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard T: +353 (0)57 867 1927 T: +353 (0)57 864 5500 Open: Fri, 6.00pm - 9.30pm; Abbeyleix Open: Lunch, 12.00pm - 9.00pm Restaurants (day) Sat, 5.00pm - 9.30pm; Sun, 5.30pm - 9.00pm Restaurants Full menu each day The Pantry Preston House The Kingfisher Restaurant 13 Market Square, Portlaoise Greens Restaurant (Clubhouse) Abbeyleix, County Laois Old AIB Bank, Main Street, Portlaoise T: +353 (0)57 868 1695 Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard T: +353 (0)57 873 1432 T: +353 (0)57 866 2500 / 866 2899 Open: Mon to Sat, 9.30am - 5.00pm T: +353 (0)57 864 5500 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Sun, 11.00am - 5.00pm Open: Fri & Sat, 7.00pm - 9.30pm Open: Lunch daily 12.00pm - 4.00pm Open: Sat & Sun, 5.00pm - 11.00pm Cafés/Coff ee Shops Lunch Wed to Fri, 12.00pm - 2.30pm Dinner: Thurs & Sun, 5.00pm - 8.00pm; Sol Oriens Italian Restaurant Caffe Latte Fri & Sat, 5.00pm - 9.30pm & Steakhouse Relish Brasserie Lyster Square, Portlaoise Killenard, County Laois Mac’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Portlaoise. Open 10am ‘til late. T: +353 (0)57 866 3017 T: +353 (0) 57 862 3822 Main Street, Abbeyleix, County Laois T: 057 8662200 Open: Mon to Sat, 8.00am - 5.30pm Open: Wed & Thurs, 6.30pm - 9.30pm W: www.relishbrasserie.com T: +353 (0)57 875 7500 Fri & Sat, two sittings: 7.00pm & 9.00pm Dunamaise Arts Centre Open: Wed to Fri from 2.00pm Sunday, 5.30pm - 9.30pm Kellys Foundry Church Street, Portlaoise Sat & Sun for brunch from mid-day Jessop Street, Portlaoise T: +353 (0)57 86 63515 Abbeyleix Manor Hotel T: +353 (0)57 867 8588 Open: Mon to Sat, 8.00am - 5.30pm Open: Thurs, 5.00pm - 10.00pm; Abbeyleix, County Laois Mountmellick Fri & Sat, 5.00pm - 11.00pm; McPhersons Tel: +353 (0)57 873 0111 Mountmellick MDA Restaurant Sun, 1pm - 9.00pm; Mon 5.00pm - 10.00pm Unit 11, Lyster Lane, Portlaoise Breakfast: Mon to Fri, 7.00am - 11.00am; Irishtown, Mountmellick T: +353 (0)57 866 2960 Sat & Sun, 8.00am - 11.00am T: +353 (0) 862 4525 Seasons Restaurant Open: Mon to Sat, 8.30am - 5.00pm Carvery: Daily, 12 noon - 3.00pm Open: Sat & Sun, 9.00am - 4.45pm Top Square, Portlaoise À la Carte: Daily, 5.00pm - 9.30pm T: +353 (0)57 868 0809 O’Briens Sandwich Bar Open: Tues to Sun, Lunch 12.30 - 2.00pm Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise Dinner 6.00pm T: +353 (0)57 867 0888 EMO | THE HEATH | Killenard Open: Mon to Sat, 7.30am - 7.30pm; Treacys Restaurant The Killeshin Hotel Sun, 8.00am - 7.30pm Dublin Road, Portlaoise The Heath, Portlaoise T: +353 (0)57 863 1200 T: +353 (0)57 864 6539 pubs Cedar Bar: Fri, 12.00pm - 9.00pm; E: [email protected] Sat, 12.30pm - 7.00pm; Sun, 12.30 - 9.00pm Egans Hostelry Open: Sat, 8.00am - 10.00pm; Restaurant: Fri & Sat, 6.00pm - 9.00pm Lr. Main Street, Portlaoise Sun, 9.00am - 9.00pm T: +353 (0)57 862 1106 / 862 1101 The Arlington Room O’Loughlins Hotel Open: Daily, 9.30am - 9.30pm Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard Main Street, Portlaoise T: +353 (0)57 864 5500 T: +353 (0)57 862 1305 Ramsbottoms Open: Mon & Tue, Thurs to Sat, E: [email protected] 101 Main Street, Portlaoise 7.00pm - 9.30pm Open: Daily, 7.30am - 9.00pm T: +353 (0)57 862 1531

Abbeyleix Manor Hotel The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort B&B’s & SELF CATERING Where to stay Road, Abbeyleix, Killenard, County Laois County Laois T: +353 (0)57 864 5500 Please use list as per the B&B and Self SPONSORING HOTELS T: +353 (0) 57 87 30111 E: [email protected] Catering list in the Passport to Laois. E: [email protected] W: www.theheritage.com The Portlaoise Heritage Hotel FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON W: www.abbeyleixmanorhotel.com ACCOMMODATION, Town Centre, Portlaoise The Killeshin Hotel please contact: T: +353 (0)57 867 8588 Castle Arms Hotel Dublin Road, Portlaoise Portlaoise Tourist Information Office, E: [email protected] Durrow, County Laois T: +353 (0)57 863 1200 T: +353 (0)57 862 1178 W: www.theheritagehotel.com T: + 353 (0)57 873 6117 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.thekilleshin.com Castle Durrow Country House Hotel W: www.castlearmshotel.ie FOR HOTEL PACKAGES, Durrow, County Laois O’ Loughlins Hotel view www.roseoftralee.ie T: + 353(0)57 873 6555 The Gandon Inn Main Street, Portlaoise E: [email protected] Emo, County Laois T: +353 (0)57 862 1305 or www.laoistourism.ie W: www.castledurrow.com T: +353 (0)57 862 6622 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.oloughlinshotel.ie The Maldron Hotel Portlaoise W: www.gandoninn.com Togher Roundabout, Portlaoise Preston House T: +353 (0)57 869 5900 Abbeyleix, County Laois E: [email protected] T: +353 (0)57 873 1432 W: www.maldronhotels.com E: [email protected]

• Liam Casey & Son • Grellan Delaney & Sons • Ramsbottoms Pubs in • Seamus O’Donoghue • Ryans • Bernie Keegan Portlaoise • The Square Bar • Andy Bergins • The Portlaoise Heritage Hotel • The Welcome Inn • De Brun • O’Gorman’s Bar & Restaurant, Kilminchy • Lockeys • Leatean • Treacy’s, The Heath • Peigs ✿• O’Loughlins Hotel • The Mile Bush (Fairgreen) • Coppers • Kavanaghs Bar & Venue • Sally Gardens • Egans Hostelry 18 2013 OfficiaL PROGRAMME OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2013 19 AdvertThe Roses for Rose areGathering/Festival Gathering If you’ve ever been to the Festival, come back for the Gathering; entertainmentif you’ve never been, join us next August!

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