The Abu Dhabi Rose of Tralee Festival, 2007
This year, the Irish Society in Abu Dhabi will be sending its own charming, poised, drop-dead gorgeous entrant to the Rose of Tralee festival in Dubai in May (Dubai is currently the official selection center for the UAE).
Could our choice be flying to Tralee for the world-famous competition in August?
Links
- The official Rose of Tralee site, with Roses 1959-2006 and other
- A Wikipedia article about the competition
- Kerry Tourism website
- Kerryman article, March 9, 2006
Lyrics
Not many people know the last verse!
The pale moon was rising above the green mountains,
The sun was declining beneath the blue sea;
When I strayed with my love by the pure crystal fountain,
That stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee.
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning,
that made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.
The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading,
And Mary all smiling was listening to me;
The moon through the valley her pale rays was shedding,
When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee.
Though lovely and fair as the Rose of the summer,
Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning,
that made me love Mary,
the Rose of Tralee.In the far fields of India,
'mid wars dreadful thunders,
Her voice was a solace and comfort to me,
But the chill hand of death has now rent us asunder,
I'm lonely tonight for the Rose of Tralee.
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning,
that made me love Mary,
the Rose of Tralee.