Southern California Rose of Tralee

Irish Heritage Day 2009 started off with the introduction of the newest member of the Rose Class 2009 – Caitlin Soyland.  After welcomes from the other Roses and a few orders of business from event lead Christina, Heritage Day was underway!

The first segment was Irish History.  After the success and positive feedback from last year’s new format of a “round-table discussion”, history was again this year a discussion among the Roses.  The topic was the Celtic Tiger and the history of the Irish economy.   With Vicky Carl as the mediator, the Roses discussed the origins of the Celtic Tiger, as well as the economic results on the country and the consequences of its demise.

Due to a last minute cancellation, 1992 Rose Kari Ann Gerlach and 2002 Rose Anneliese Schumacher helped out by telling the Roses of some of the things to expect in Ireland as well as sharing some of their own stories of their time in Tralee.

The thirs segment of the day was the Rose Presentations on Irish Cuisine and Foods.  Each Rose gave an interesting presentation and showed their creative sides.  Rose Brittany started by sharing her father’s favorite dessert – a cherry trifle – and a few stories, as well a current one about the making of the trifle.  Roses Sarah and Mary both made Irish Soda Bread and combined their presentations together in a little segment – “Dueling Soda Breads”.

As the day moved into lunch, the Roses were joined by a few special guests – the Rosebuds.  “Retired” Rosebud Brenna and Rosebuds Brittany and Bridget hung out for the rest of the day and enjoyed the offerings of Irish Heritage Day, a Rose Event someday the three of them will be participating in as Roses.

Over a delicious meal of traditional Irish stew and meat pies, the Roses and guests savored every morsel, as Kathy Lleara, the mastermind behind the meal, explained to the Roses some of the traditions and history behind what they what  they were eating.  Roses Sarah and Mary served their soda breads with lunch and dessert was Brittany’s mouth-watering trifle.

Once lunch concluded, it was time to move outside for the afternoon segments, starting with Irish sports.  Kevin Macdonald was on hand to explain to the Roses the history and techniques of Gaelic football and hurling.  With equipment on hand, each Rose…and Rosebud…gave it a try picking up the ball with the hurling stick.

The final segment of the day was Irish dance lead by Joan Kelly.  With such a small group of Roes, Joan pulled the Rosebuds into the lesson.  The Roses and Rosebuds were taught two dances and managed to show off their dancing skills while having a lot of fun doing so.

The long day was winding down, as the Roses mingled a bit, chatting with each other and the other guests, before finally saying their goodbyes and heading home.

Thanks to Mary Lynn and Jessica for their assistance in making Irish Heritage Day 2009 a success as well as to the speakers and guests who helped make it a memorable one for the Roses!

The Roses participate in a discusson on the Celtic Tiger

Former Roses Kari & Anneliese share stories about Tralee

Roses Sarah& Mary did their segment - Dueling Soda Breads

Rose Laura tries her best at Irish sports

The Roses & Rosebuds learn Irish dancing

The Roses show off their dancing skills