Southern California Rose of Tralee

Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation &

St. Patrick's Day Grand Ball

If you were to look up in the dictionary any of the following words - amazing, exciting, wonderful, magical - you would be sure to find the phrase: "See the 25th Annual Southern California Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation and St. Patrick’s Grand Ball"...for what words are there to describe such a memorable night...

The night of March 15, 2008 began much in the same way as the past twenty-four years for Southern California – with cocktails and lively conversation among family and friends as harpist Kathleen Keronan entertained with a menagerie of Irish melodies.   The Third Annual Silent Auction was in full swing as guests perused the tables and varieties of baskets and placed their bids – hoping that by night’s end they would be going home with one of the spectacular prizes.  Committee members Kathy Hughes and Paula Kelly manned the check-in table and will call as guests arrived during the festive hour. 

 As the crowd grew in the reception area, it became clear the direction that the night was going towards…a memorable one.  Old friends and new friends of the Rose Program blended together and time stood still as reunions of all sorts took place.

Making its debut as the host venue for the Rose of Tralee, the doors to the Crystal Ballroom of the Irvine Orange County Hilton Hotel opened for the dinner.  As the guests filed in, still in high spirits and conversations, and took their seats to enjoy a delicious meal of petit filet and mahi mahi, Master of Ceremonies Bill Hacket started the evening with warm words of welcome and announced the procession of flags and colors.

The moment became quiet as the flags of Ireland and the United States were presented.  2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury beautifully sang the Irish national anthem – The Soldier’s Song – in honor of the ancestral home.  She followed by 2004 Rose Suzanne Paine who sang the American national anthem – The Star-Spangled Banner – in honor of our men and women serving in the armed forces.

Following the singing of the anthems, Father Michael Lenihan of St. Lawrence’s Parish in Redondo Beach gave the blessing over the meal and evening.  Bill Hacket continued with announcements as he commended the hard work and dedication of the Irish Fair Board members and the Rose of Tralee Committee.

Though recognized at the 133^rd Annual Irish Civic Day Ceremonies the day before at Los Angeles City Hall, Irish Man of the Year Grif Healy and Irish Woman of the Year Carmel Hill took a few moments to recount to the crowd how honored they were to be given such a prestigious award.  And though not all were in attendance, the 2008 Irish Honorees were also mentioned and recognized for their contributions to the Irish Community of Southern California.  Finally, the Honorary Counsel of Ireland – and proud husband of the Irish Woman of the Year – Finbar Hill was introduced the stage to share a few words on the night, the occasion, and the remarkable Irish of Southern California.

Now it was time for the show to begin…

As his concluding act as Master of Ceremonies for that portion of the evening, Bill Hacket introduced the evening’s emcee – renowned Irish stage and screen actor Marty Maguire – to the stage.  Marty took the stage with an exuberant energy and it began to flow through the room.

After a brief monologue, Marty took a moment to recognize a visiting Rose – 1992 Queensland Rose Sharon James Patterson and mother of one of the Rosebuds.  He then introduced the 2008 Judges Panel beginning with Chief Judge and long time supporter of the Rose program Kevin MacDonnell, followed by Christine O’Connell, sister of the 1999 Rose, lawyer Isabelle Ord, and John Foley, father of two past Rose Debutantes.

Marty took a few moments to explain to the crowd what the story of the Rose of Tralee was and what it was that judges were looking for…that truth in her eyes…

Then it was time to introduce the Rosebud Class of 2008.   Beginning with Rosebud Brenna Gerlach, and followed by Rosebuds Socorro Jaramillo, Greta Browne, Emma Hill, Samantha Starling, Bridget Gerlach, Katherine Patterson, and concluding with Rosebud Brittany O’Boyle, Marty spent a few moments with each Rosebud, just ‘kicking back’ on stage and giving the crowd a chance to get to know each adorable little girl.  Already five years strong, the Rosebud program has grown by leaps and bounds and has proven over and over to be delightful addition to

Southern California.

At last the words were spoken – the 25^th Annual Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation will commence…

Rose Caitlin Clare Conway was the first Rose of the evening presented.  As she was escorted by her father, Caitlin began for the Class of 2008, the continuing and long-standing tradition of Southern California as each Rose Debutante was presented with a long stem rose and best wishes from the current Rose before taking the stage. As she walked up the fashion ramp, Marty described Caitlin’s background – her Irish roots, her schooling, her career, future goals, hobbies and interests – to the crowd who listened intently.  Caitlin greeted Marty at center stage and after a brief conversation, Marty introduced a Rosebud to the stage with the basket of mystery questions.  Rosebud Brenna was the first Rosebud and presented the questions.  Rose Caitlin made her choice and the first mystery question of the evening was asked.  After sharing her answer with the crowd, Rose Caitlin took her walk down the fashion ramp and then back to her seat on stage and waited for her fellow Roses to join her.

The next Rose of the evening to be presented was Rose Sharlene Rose Green.  The twenty seven year old blonde blue eyed beauty was escorted by her father and as she accepted her rose from the 2007 Rose Aileen Whelan, Marty told the crowd about Sharlene’s Irish roots in County Mayo, as well as her volunteer work with the Jaycees.  Marty asked Sharlene to elaborate on the Jaycees and Sharlene shared with the crowd the amazing and rewarding work of the Jaycees mentoring young leaders to impact their communities.  Rosebud Brittany presented Rose Sharlene with the basket of mystery questions.  After her answer and her walk, Rose Sharlene joined Rose Caitlin as the debutante presentation continued.

Rose Christine Ann Jones was the next Rose presented.  On the arm of her father, Rose Christine greeted 2007 Rose Aileen where hugs were exchanged.  Armed with her rose, Christine took the stage and met Marty as he concluded her bio card, describing to the crowd Christine’s passions in the arts.  As one of the party pieces for the evening, Christine displayed a gallery of paintings and photographs during the cocktail reception.   Christine’s cousin Rosebud Socorro had the honor of bringing the basket of mystery questions to stage.  The lovely Rose Christine finished her moment on stage with a walk on the fashion ramp and amid smiles and cheers, took her place next to her fellow Rose Caitlin.

Reminiscent of a classic 1940s starlet in an elegant olive green gown, Rose Kathleen Carey McManus was the fourth Rose to be presented.  Better known by her nickname, Rose Kacey marked her moment as a Rose Debutante with her Rose from Aileen, her conversation with Marty, her mystery question from Rosebud Greta, and her walk on the fashion ramp before taking her place next to Rose Sharlene.

Before introducing the next Rose, Marty welcomed Rose Sharlene to center stage who then entertained the crowd with her party piece.   Sharlene displayed her talents and singing skills as she sang her rendition of “In My Daughter’s Eyes” as made popular by country singer Martina McBride.

Marking the half-way point, Irish native Rose Sinéad Eithne Cunningham was escorted by her father to be presented the Irish Community of Southern California.  As she took the stage – after receiving her rose from Aileen – the always delightful Rose Sinéad was all smiles as she chatted with Marty and gave the crowd a glimpse of her upcoming internship.  Rosebud Emma had the honor of presenting Sinéad with her mystery question, which Sinéad answered in the same manner of her fellow Roses – with a profound and thoughtful answer.  Finally, Rose Sinéad took her walk and then her seat next to Rose Christine.

A standout in her personality and for that evening in her stylish red gown, Rose Anne Margaret Cawley graced the stage as Marty told the crowd about Anne’s family, schooling and hobbies.  It was only fitting that her Rosebud was Rosebud Bridget with their matching roses in their hair.  Asked as her mystery question what was man’s greatest achievement the past century, Anne answered that putting a man on the moon was man’s greatest achievement.  After her walk on the fashion ramp, Rose Anne took her seat on stage next to Rose Kacey.

The seventh Rose of the evening was Jessica Lynn Harrison.  Always charming, Rose Jessica was escorted by her proud father amid the cheers from her family.  As Marty read her bio to the crowd, telling of her Irish roots in Armagh, her recent acceptance to Cal State Channel Islands, and her volunteer work with her sister’s Girl Scout troop, Rose Jessica accepted her rose from Aileen and met Marty at center stage for a little chat.  As the conversation turned to Jessica’s passion for astronomy, Jessica mentioned her father’s enjoyment of the Star Trek franchise.  In one of the humorous moments of the evening, Marty delighted the crowd by flashing the well-known Vulcan sign.  Rose Jessica took her mystery question from Rosebud Samantha and after her answer and walk on the fashion ramp, took her seat next to Rose Sinéad.

As the Rose Presentation headed into the home stretch, a technical difficulty occurred as Rose Brittany Alaina Kelly was called before her scheduled place in the line-up.  Rose Brittany recovered, and with her father escorting her, exuded confidence as she was greeted by the reigning 2007 Rose Aileen, who warmly wished her the best of luck and handed her one of the few remaining long-stemmed red roses.  Rose Brittany’s bio was hailed with many references to her love of musical theater and her volunteer commitments.  Asked what her favorite musicals were, Rose Brittany began to list them for the crowd and as she did, Marty continually added that he had performed in just about all of them.  Rose Brittany cleverly – and accurately – concluded that every musical Marty Maguire performed in was one of her favorites.  As her last time on stage as a Rosebud, Brenna presented Rose Brittany with her mystery question.

Rose Karen Marie O’Rell was the next Rose to be presented.  Cheered on by her family and fellow Cornell University alumni, Rose Karen was escorted by her father.  As Marty talked about Karen’s Irish roots in Roscommon and Clare, Karen was handed her rose from Aileen and then took the stage to meet Marty.  Looking very chic in an emerald green gown, Rose Karen chatted with Marty for a few moments before Rosebud Katherine came to the stage with basket of mystery questions.   After her answer and her walk on the fashion ramp, Rose Karen took her seat with her fellow Roses on stage.  An accomplished photographer, Rose Karen displayed a collection of photos during the cocktail hour, which received many compliments from the guests.

A brief interlude in the presentation occurred as Rose Jessica was introduced to sing the popular song “You Got A Friend” as penned by Carole King.  Her performance was greeted with an abundance of applause from the crowd.

 Saving the best for last, Rose Kathleen McGuire concluded the presentation of the Rose Class of 2008.  Escorted by her father, the youngest McGuire was welcomed to the stage amid cheers and applause from the crowd.  A lovely brunette with dazzling green eyes, Kathleen showed her captivating energetic personality as she chatted with Marty about her favorite 80s singers.  Rosebud Samantha presented the last mystery question of the evening, which Kathleen answered with ease and grace, just as her fellow nine Roses before her.  Taking her walk down the ramp, Kathleen delighted the crowd with a bright smile before taking her place between Roses Brittany and Karen.

With just one more party piece to go, Marty introduced Rose Brittany back to the stage.  Making a slight change in her original choice of song, Rose Brittany sang “Candle on the Water” from the Disney classic Pete’s Dragon. 

The Southern California Rose Class of 2008 had been presented.

And then something happened…

A special occasion was mentioned…

A hush came over the crowd…

A moment occurred…

A moment for Southern California that was weeks and months in the making…actually twenty-five years…as the largest reunion of former Southern California Roses took the spotlight…

With time and distance knowing no boundaries, the special sisterhood of Roses was “re-debuted” to the Irish Community of Southern California.  Leading them was the 1987 Rose Kelly Learman Browne of Encino.  As she walked in, taking a long-stemmed yellow rose – significant of the bonds of friendship the Rose Program has always been proud of – from her fellow Rose Aileen, Marty spoke a little about Kelly, as he did for all the former Roses, and mentioning her as the mother of Rosebud Greta.  With a wave to the crowd, Kelly took her place on the stage behind the current class of Roses.

The next former Rose to be introduced was the 1990 Rose Shandon Eales Harbour of San Diego.  Exquisite in her yellow evening gown, Shandon was welcomed back to the stage with loud cheers and applause.  Following Shandon was the 1992 Rose Kari Ann Patterson Gerlach of Santa Barbara.  The red-headed beauty was noted as mother of Rosebuds Brenna and Bridget.

The 1993 Rose Eileen Hunt McKeagney of San Juan Capistrano was re-introduced.  As a contribution to the evening, Eileen encouraged her fellow Roses to write their reflections on being the Rose which were published in the evening’s program book.  Six thousand miles and a thirteen hour plane ride could not deter the 1994 Rose Katherine Geary Fitzpatrick of Ireland from being a part of the reunion.  Whether Katherine was more thrilled to be back or whether Southern California was more thrilled to have her back is debatable.

The 1998 Rose Allison McGuire Young of Palos Verdes – and sister of Rose Kathleen McGuire – was the next former Rose to be introduced.  Looking elegant in her lavender gown, Allison’s smiles mirrored those of her sister Kathleen, as the family connections among Roses – past, present, and future – began evident.  The last Rose of the 20^th century – the 1999 Rose Kerry O’Connell of Chicago was introduced to the stage with Marty remarking that Kerry’s selection was his first time as emcee for Southern California.

After a long absence from Southern California, the 2000 Rose Erin McCreary Hart of New York returned to Rose stage that had changed her life so many years before.  Having flown in a few days before, Erin had the privilege of getting to know the Rose Class of 2008 at the Civic Day and Irish Luncheon the day before.  Erin’s successor, the 2001 Rose Cameo McMillan O’Loughlin of Los Angeles made her re-debut to the Irish Community.  The newly married Cameo was excited to be a part of the evening and regal the memories of her year as a Rose with her fellow sisters.

The 2002 Rose Anneliese Schumacher of Redondo Beach was the next former Rose to be presented.  Marty noted that Anneliese’s travels had taken her back to Ireland several times since Tralee – reaffirming the testimonial of how the Rose of Tralee is such a significant part of the lives of all the former Roses.  The 2003 Rose Corinna Jeter of New York and aspiring Broadway actress was welcomed back as Marty talked about some of her accomplishments on the stage and small screen.

Also from New York was the 2004 Rose Suzanne Paine.  Already known for her singing of the national anthem earlier in the evening, Suzanne’s return to Southern California was yet another highlight in the reunion.  The 2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury of Torrance – and current Rose Committee member – was elegant in her red gown as she took her rose from Aileen and joined the sisterhood of Roses on stage of which she has only been a member for a few years time now.

And then the “fashionably late” 2006 Rose Meghan Dixon of Temecula was the last of the former Southern California Roses to be re-debuted on what could only be remembered by every person present as a moment that could never be duplicated.

After Meggy took her place on the stage, Marty introduced – for the first time that evening – the link between the past and present – the current reigning Rose Aileen Ciara Whelan to the stage.  With the crown adorning her head and the sash complimenting her gown, Aileen came up from the fashion ramp and took her place among the Roses of 2008 – one of whom she would later in the evening relinquish to the title of Southern California Rose of Tralee.

For now, though, she was with her Rose sisters – past and present.

Though not to be out done or forgotten, the Rosebuds filed on stage, joining their mothers, sisters, cousins, and friends – in short, their Rose Family.

And then cheers became louder…the applause grew…thundered…seats began to empty as people stood…

And the moment – an amazing, exciting, wonderful, magical moment – was frozen in time as the sight of past, present and future became ingrained in the memories of every person there.

 Ah, but there was still a party to be had on this already memorable night.  Stepping up to the challenge – as he has so brilliantly done in the years past – emcee Marty Maguire kicked off the party with a rousing sing-a-long of Irish songs, starting with his signature piece, “Delilah”.  As Marty entertained, he was joined by the Honorary Counsel Finbar Hill, who took over the sing-a-long and delighted the crowd with his own rendition of “Danny Boy”.

Once the Counsel relinquished the microphone, Marty turned the sing-a-long to the familiar “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” as the Roses – all the Roses – began to depart the stage lead by the 2007 Rose Aileen Whelan and the Rosebuds.  Of course, it was only fitting that the last ten Roses to depart the stage was the Rose Class of 2008.

Now it was time to dance and celebrate!

Marking their fifth year with the Southern California Rose of Tralee and St. Patrick’s Day Grand Ball, the Music Connection Orchestra was in prime form as they played a variety of dance numbers that took everyone there back to their Senior Prom…no matter what year it might have been.  With dance music pulsating, the conversations going non-stop, and of course, the drinks continually pouring, it was surprising at how quickly the evening was passing by.

A break in the dance music brought the Master of Ceremonies Bill Hacket back to the podium as he introduced Marty and the 2007 Rose Aileen to the center of the dance floor for Aileen’s farewell to Southern California.  Though she echoed many of the thoughts she had recounted in her memory page in the program book, Aileen also took her moment in the spotlight to recognize a special young lady, Brenna Gerlach.  Remarking that not only was this her last year as a Rose, but it was Brenna’s last year as a Rosebud, Aileen also added that her first year as a Rose was Brenna’s first year as a Rosebud and that she was so proud to see how much Brenna had grown up and had become such an important part of the Rose Family.  

With a little coaxing, Brenna joined Aileen and Marty on the dance floor where Aileen presented her with a silver jewelry box – a gift from Aileen and the 2008 Roses – in recognition of Brenna’s dedication and service to the Rosebuds and the Southern California Rose of Tralee.  Brenna remarked that she was honored and pleased to be part of such an amazing program and was very thankful for the gift and opportunity to have been a Rosebud.

Marty then introduced the Rosebud party pieces starting with Rosebud Bridget performing on violin.  Rosebud Brenna performed a duet with Rose Brittany of the Judy Garland classic “Under the Bamboo Tree” from Meet Me in St. Louis.

Then it was back to the dance music for a short time before the second break of the evening gave way to a heart-pounding performance from the dancers of the Kelly School of Traditional Dance.  As dancers of all ages showed off their skills and talents, they were joined by Rose Kacey.  A former student of the Kelly school, Kacey had previously danced at several Grand Balls over the years.  Under the direction of Joan Kelly and her daughter Claire Kelly Maxwell, the Kelly School continued their tradition of bringing an exciting Riverdance style performance to the Grand Ball.

As the applause for the Kelly School began to fade and the Music Connection Orchestra brought the crowd back to the dance floor, a question was silently asked:

Could this evening get even more amazing...more exciting...more wonderful...more magical?

The answer would come in a tragically short time…as midnight was quickly approaching and the moment of all moments was close at hand…

At last the wait for the Cinderella hour was over and it would be only a few short minutes before a name was called – a name that would be forever connected to the title 2008 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

With the past and present Roses gracing the stage, Irish Fair Foundation President Terry Anderson took care of business first – reminding everyone of the Irish Fair June 21^st and 22^nd at the Irvine Meadows.  He then thanked the Music Connection Orchestra for once again providing an entertaining evening of dance music.  Next on the list of thank yous were delegated to the members of the Irish Fair Board and the Rose Committee whom Terry each individually thanked for their commitment, dedication and hard work to making the Grand Ball and the Rose Program such a success.  As part of the 25^th Anniversary celebration, Terry also recognized the past Rose Committee Chairpersons.  He then noted the contributions of three key players in the Rose Program and Grand Ball – emcee Marty Maguire, Rose Show Director Bill Hacket and Rose Committee Lead Coordinator Christina Barnes.  Each took the well-deserved bow and wave to the crowd before moving aside so that one last person could be introduced – for the last time.

Holding the crown in her hands, 2007 Rose Aileen Whelan listened to the applause as Terry thanked her for her year as the Rose and the time of her reign was only seconds from ending.

Ah, but first – Terry had one more thank you – to the Roses and Rosebuds of 2008 – all of them, each and every one, deemed winners.

The envelope was asked for…

The sound of paper tearing…

A drumroll was requested…

Ten breaths were held…

And then a name was said.

And the young woman chosen from ten remarkable young women to represent her fellow Roses and the Irish Community of Southern California at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Tralee was Sinéad Eithne Cunningham.

Laughing and crying, Sinéad received her sash and bouquet of roses and stood as Aileen placed the crown upon her head.  Her last task done, Aileen stepped to the back and joined the former Southern California Roses, who most appropriately made a spot for her and welcomed her as the newest member of the Former Roses.

But while that small moment was occurring with the past, the present – the 2008 Rose Sinéad Eithne Cunningham walked the fashion ramp waving to the crowd as she was serenaded by Marty singing “The Rose of Tralee”.  Sinéad took the moment to thank each of her fellow Roses – one by one – with a heartfelt embrace.

As she took one last walk down the fashion ramp, she was met by Bill Leahy who escorted her to the middle of the dance floor where she was presented to her father, Jim Cunningham, for her first dance as the 2008 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

The crowd watched father and daughter share their special moment and as the notes faded, they were soon were joined by Roses of all ages who embraced the new Rose with smiles and cheers.

The moment was amazing…exciting…wonderful…magical…ALL of them fitting words.

And for the first time all evening…a little melancholy…as the 25^th Annual Southern California Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation and St. Patrick’s Day Grand Ball came to end.

Until next year...

Today...

...tomorrow...

...and always

...the truth in ALL theirs eyes is forever dawning...