Dapper Don has designs on new Rose role

The Rose of Tralee judging panel, from left, Don O’Neill, Nuala Carey, Ollie Turner and Luzveminda O’Sullivan.
Pictures: Domnick Walsh

International fashion designer to the stars and proud Kerryman, Don O’Neill, has been confirmed as a member of the judging panel for this year’s Roe of Tralee contest.

He will join 1998 Rose of Tralee, Luzveminda O’Sullivan, RTÉ presenter Nuala Carey and Galway broadcaster Ollie Turner.

O’Neill relocated home to Ireland with his husband Pascal Guillermie, having spent 30 years in New York, and he has recently been elected to the board of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland.

Reigning title holder from New York Róisín Wiley

“I am beyond excited to be an International judge in the 2024 Rose of Tralee – a festival I have loved for as long as I can remember and grew to love even more when I moved to New York,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to working alongside Nuala, Mindy and Ollie and can’t wait to meet this year’s wonderful Roses. The experience of a lifetime awaits us all,” he added.

There will be 32 Roses taking part in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, all hoping to impress the panel of judges. The national Rose tour begins on August 11 with the festival itself taking place from August 16-20.

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