“Fermanagh is a beautiful county”. This view was expressed by International Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, who stopped off in the county this week.

The 2014 Fermanagh Rose, Dearbhla McManus was delighted to welcome Maria to Fermanagh during her recent tour of Ireland.

During Tuesday’s visit, they met with staff and pupils from St. Mary’s Primary School, Brookeborough, where St. Mary’s P.S. Grupai Cheoil provided a short performance for the guests.

Dearbhla is a former pupil of St. Mary’s, and the school’s Principal, Dermot Finlay felt “it was good to see her back in her old school.” Delighted to welcome them to the school, Mr. Finlay felt it was a chance to give Maria a Fermanagh welcome and a flavour of this county.

He also mentioned that a focus of the visit was to promote their charity work, Cancer Connect being Dearbhla’s chosen charity.

Subsequently, Rose and Dearbhla were given a warm Fermanagh greeting by the Enniskillen Hotel, which is hosting the 2015 Fermanagh Rose Selection on Saturday, March 28.

The Roses also visited the Fermanagh Rose Selection hair and makeup sponsor, Eden Hair and Beauty. Dearbhla also introduced Maria to her sponsor from last year, Edel Greene from Dolly Bird Beauty Studio.

Speaking during her visit to Fermanagh, which she described as ‘a beautiful county,” Maria said that she “spent a wonderful day meeting with locals.” She also thanked Dearbhla “for being a wonderful tour guide.” Those who are interested in participating in the Fermanagh Rose Selection or would like to put forward a nomination are encouraged to please email the Fermanagh Rose Centre atfermanaghrose@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.