The Rose of Galway, Deirdre Jennings, bravely spoke about her mental health issues during the Rose of Tralee festival on RTÉ One on Monday night, saying she doesn’t see her experience as “a really bad thing in my life”.
The 29-year-old, from the Gaeltacht village of Ros an Mhíl in Conamara, west Ireland, explained how things went when her late father fell ill.
“The Leaving Certificate year was a difficult year,” he said. “Unfortunately dad was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year – me and my dad were very close – and I think the whole year was just trying to process it.
“He died in December. My brain just put it in a little chest and I tried to ignore it and not deal with it, but you can’t, it always comes out eventually.
“In my second year of college, my mental health took a dip, and I think it was just a delayed reaction,” he said.
Ms Jennings said she knew shortly after turning sixteen that she “couldn’t do it alone anymore” and said she “wouldn’t be who I am today” without going on her difficult journey.
“When you’re in a good place, that’s the best time to work on yourself.”
Galway Rose, Deirdre Jennings, sheds light on mental health during #Rose of Tralee pic.twitter.com/2sJB1Vsrl4
– Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) 19 August 2024
Recalling the difficult time, she said: “I took the step to ask for help. I remember asking my mother in my room and she brought me to the GP.
“It’s been a long journey, a lot of trial and error with medication, counseling and stuff, but I wouldn’t be who I am without it.
“I don’t really see it as a bad thing in my life. I think it’s made me so strong. I feel like I’ve kind of earned it. I have a really happy life and I’m so blessed with everything that I have.
“I’m happy most of the time—ninety percent of the time—and that’s after years of getting there. When you’re in a good place, that’s the best time to work on yourself.”
Ms Jennings also offered advice to viewers who may be struggling with their mental health, saying: “It’s a brave thing to ask for help, but it’s an important thing. Second of all the things I’ve gotten help for, the kindness of people was really important.”
In Bloom: The Rose of Tralee Festival returns
The 64th Rose of Tralee Festival got off to a great start on Monday night with positive vibes and magical musical moments.
Hosts Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé showed they were good sports from taking part in the opening dance to Beyoncé’s iconic anthem. Run to the world (girls), Next to 32 international roses.
Introducing the show, Thomas, who is co-hosting the event for the second year, said: “It’s so good to be back! We’re here again to celebrate the 64th Rose of Tralee International Festival.
“A big Kerry welcome to everyone watching us live on RTÉ One and also to everyone watching us anywhere in the world on RTÉ Player in every corner of the world.”
Veteran Rose of Tralee presenter Ó Sé added: “We have 18 Roses to face tonight and the last 14 tomorrow night.”
The fate of the next Rose of Tralee rests in the hands of four distinguished judges – fashion designer Don O’Neill, 1998 Rose of Tralee Luzveminda O’Sullivan, broadcaster Ollie Turner and RTÉ Weather and Lotto presenter Nuala Carey.
Overnight, viewers were introduced to roses from: Dubai, Waterford, North Carolina, Cork, Perth, San Francisco, Melbourne, Wicklow, Monaghan, Ohio, Louth, Leitrim, Kerry, Galway, Newfoundland and Labrador, Kilkenny, Sydney and New Zealand.
Crack and music
During the over three hour live show, Roses hit the right notes on stage and the audience is entertained by the musical pleasure that comes from the exciting performance Rise to meet you on the harp, stunning violin playing crested hens, the outing of the angels of traditional Irish song My Gile Mear, energetic bagpipe routine I am (500 miles) by heralds, stunning shot Red is a rose, and a heartfelt version Beautiful Girl.
Other Roses played their cards right with a slick magic trick, a jumping jig and a kick Wait Sloopy, A competition ring, some pom-tastic cheerleading and a sign-language rendition of an Ed Sheeran track.
33. rose
A special performance by acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Lyra brought the marquee down at the MTU Kerry Sports Academy. Singing we are beautiful The Cork musician’s poetic story reflected the theme of the 32 strong, independent and intelligent Irish women participating in this year’s festival.
Several viewers took to social media to call for Lyra to be Ireland’s 2025 Eurovision entrant.
LYRA seriously needs to go #Eurovision! Crazy talent! #Rose of Tralee
– Liam Holton (@LiamHoltonDrums) 19 August 2024
The Rose of Tralee International Festival began in 1959, with 62 winning roses announced over the years – the selection of roses was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival continues on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Tuesday 20 August from 8pm. Features, archive footage, behind-the-scenes content and more are available on RTÉ’s website and social media platforms.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 32 Roses
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, visit www.rte.ie/helplines
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