The Rose Of Tralee, When The Town Of Tralee Comes Into It’s Own
Beauty contest or not this is a time-honoured event that’s been going for over 40 years. The inspiration for the event is the famous 19th century song by local toff and poet William Mulchinock in praise of local beauty and modest maid Mary O’Connor. Star-crossed lovers William and Mary never married because William fled for his life after a little bit of local trouble. After 6 years in exile in India he returned to Tralee only to find Mary newly dead, a victim of the famine. It was then he penned the famous song The Rose Of Tralee. However “The Rose” is also subject of a love song, “The Rose Of Tralee” written in the 1800`s by Mr C Mordaunt Spencer and said to be based on the story of Mary O’Connor and her sweetheart a young soldier in the British Army, who arrived back in Tralee from the wars hoping to marry her, only to see her coffin carried to the graveyard. Which version is the correct one does not make any difference because during the 5 days of the festival the town’s pubs, theatres and restaurants feature events, live music and entertainment well into the early hours. If you have any experiences!! Of the Rose Of Tralee send me an e-mail and I’ll include it on this page.
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