Prides enjoy gala banquet evening as they compete for 2010 title
The 2010 Pride of Tipperary competition is well underway and is proving to be very enjoyable for all involved. Ballykisteen Hotel was the place to be last Sunday where the evening got underway with a champagne reception. As always the nine pride contestants looked absolutely beautiful as they chatted to everyone present.
In his address chairman of the committee, Stephen O'Connor who is also the general manager of Ballykisteen Hotel welcomed everyone to the Gala evening. He thanked David Burns, compere for the evening, and Pat and Fran Marnane for providing the sound and music. The chairman welcomed special guests Minister Martin Mansergh, Deputy Tom Hayes and Cllr Jacqui Finnan, Deputy Mayor of Tipperary Town Council.
Following on from this David Burns proceeded to introduce and briefly interview the contestants before they entertained the audience with their party piece.
Mary Hanna P.R.O. for the Pride of Tipperary the town was fortunate to have such a confident and talented group of young ladies representing their various sponsors.
The nine pride contestants are Rita Noonan representing Galbally R.F.C, Sinead Gammel representing Pat Ryan's Pub, Teresa Coleman representing Halla na Feile, Cashel, Esme Mansergh Wallace representing St. Michael's Street Surgery, Lousie Egan representing Nellie's Bar, Eilis Cooney representing Bakers Night Club, Maura O'Brien representing Comhaltas, Laura Healy representing the Bit and Bridle and Joanne O'Meara representing Mary Hanna's Restaurant. The judges this year's will have a tough job deciding on a winner because on the night all the girls were winners.
The audience was treated to a wonderful display of ballet dancing, Irish dancing, some beautiful poetry, wonderful singing, and excellent music on the classic violin, the fiddle and the accordion.
Special guests at the gala evening were outgoing pride of Tipperary, Michelle Heffernan who spoke about what the last year has been like for her and provided wonderful pictures to highlight the various events she attended starting out with Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish team ending with Maureen O'Hara and the Kennedy's. Michelle has been a wonderful ambassador for Tipperary and the committee wished her every success in the future.
Tipperary Rose Lynda Kelly told those present about the various stages she had to go through to reach this stage of the Tralee Rose competition and what lies ahead for her in the coming weeks.
Both Lynda and Michelle were given the task of choosing the best dressed man on the night. The winner was James O'Leary and his prize was a j200 gift voucher kindly sponsored by 'Hourigan for Men', Main Street.
A special word of thanks to the staff of Ballykisteen Hotel, Stephen, Laura and Liam, to Adrian and the kitchen staff and to Catherine and her wonderful team who provided such a beautiful meal and excellent service.
The next Pride event will be the table quiz held in Kielys Bar, on Friday next, 30th July. The event is being kindly hosted by Aisling and Jerome Kiely who are members of the committee.
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Weather for Clonmel
Saturday 04 February 2012
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