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Inishowen's Fiona is Donegal Rose 08.05.08
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by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent
FOR THE first time since 2002 Inishowen could be
represented at the International Rose of Tralee
Festival after Quigley’s Point woman Fiona Doherty
beat off fifteen rivals from across the county to be
named Donegal Rose at the Mount Errigal Hotel,
Letterkenny last Saturday night.
Not since Moville woman Nicola Norris, representing
the English city of Derby, made it to Tralee six
years ago has an Inishowen woman gone all the way to
the final, but hopes will be high that the Crana
College teacher will emerge from next month’s
regional qualifier in Portlaoise. |
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The 22 year old is a
massive fan of the late American songstress Eva
Cassidy and her take on the Cassidy’s track Songbird
wowed the judges as much as her striking appearance
and confident persona.
Speaking to the Inishowen Independent, the Queen’s
University Belfast graduate, said she was rendered
speechless when she was announced the winner by UTV
personality Julian Simmons.
“I was completely shocked, and speechless for one of
the few times in my life,” said Fiona who managed to
hold back the tears, which is more than could be
said for her father and sponsor Mickey as he
embraced his youngest daughter following her
crowning. |
News of her win
travelled fast an upon entering the staff room at
Crana College on Monday morning Fiona was given a
standing ovation from her fellow teachers.
On the 10th of May she will travel to Dublin to meet
Rose of Tralee presenter Ray D’Arcy ahead of the
June qualifier. For the moment, through, she is just
enjoying her win in Letterkenny.
“To be honest, I’m not thinking about the Rose of
Tralee final yet. I haven’t thought about what I’m
going to sing in Portlaoise, or who might be my
escort in Tralee. I’m just so delighted to get to be
Donegal Rose. There was some buzz around the school
when I walked in on Monday morning,” said the Three
Trees woman, who is a big fan of the competition.
“Watching the Rose of Tralee is a tradition in our
house, I’ve watched ever since I was a little girl.
I’ve always wanted to go to the Rose of Tralee as a
spectator, and to think that I might be up on the
stage is fantastic.” |
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