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Dublin's rose is set to bloom in Kerry

Thursday, 31 July 2008

THE Northside has its own stunning representative who will fly the flag for the capital at this year’s Rose of Tralee.
Hannah McDonnell from Kilsallaghan will fulfil her childhood dream when she travels to Kerry for the festival next month.
The intelligent 22-year-old has dyslexia and dyspraxia and works as a care assistant on the relief panel with St Michael’s House in Ballymun.
“I always wanted to enter the competition,” she told Northside People.
“I certainly won’t be going down with the aim of becoming the Rose of Tralee, it is the experience which I am most proud to be involved in.
“It’s also great to be awarded the opportunity to become Dublin’s representative for the year.”
Hanna holds a degree in Performing Arts, which she studied for in London.
She is also the artistic director with the See-saw Theatre Company, which works with artists with learning disabilities.
“The company is doing really well since it was first set up last year,” she said.
“We prefer to work and refer to the ability rather than the disability.
“I also love the work that I do with St Michael’s as there is always a new challenge.”
In her spare time, Hannah is a volunteer leader with the Rainbow 13 Youth Club, which is a club for those with learning and physical difficulties.
“There is a great sense of community and friendship within the club,” she explained.
“There is a lot of excitement within the club since I was chosen as the Dublin rose and all of the members will be coming down to Kerry to support me.
“I hope to naturally create an awareness of the social and cultural aspect of disabilities through my participation with the Rose of Tralee.”
She concluded: “As Eleanor Roosevelt said ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.”
The Rose of Tralee will be televised on August 25 and 26.

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