Leanne Tunney

A JERSEY woman has been crowned the first Channel Islands Rose and will fly to Ireland to compete in the world famous Rose of Tralee pageant.

Lawyer Leanne Tunney will follow in her mother’s footsteps by being the chosen ambassador for Jersey in the Irish competition.

In 1979 her mother Mary Tunney entered the Irish competition through the Jersey Rose centre.

This year, and for the first time, Guernsey was accepted as a centre for the Rose of Tralee competition.

Nine girls from Jersey and Guernsey were interviewed on stage and gave performances that included the tin whistle, an Irish jig and a rendition of Chicago’s All That Jazz.

Leanne (24), the last girl to go on stage, blew away the three judges with a rendition of Chris de Burgh’s Borderline. ‘I’m just completely overwhelmed,’ she said.

She had chosen the song because it reminded her of her mother, a former Rose, who is originally from County Mayo.

‘My mother went in for it 30 years ago and I’ve always wanted to be in it. ‘In rehearsals the song didn’t go too well but tonight I wanted to sing my best for my parents,’ she said.

After being congratulated by the judges, she received a bouquet, a Catherine Best necklace, a gold-plated rose and a ten-day trip to the competition in August, all expenses paid.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee international festival which celebrates modern young women in terms of their aspirations, ambitions, intellect, social responsibility and Irish heritage.

The 2009 winner will receive a prize worth 25,000 euros to fund a year of travel that includes fares and accommodation, a generous clothes allowance and spending money. She will also be fortunate to receive the use of a car during her reign.

This is in addition to the Newbridge Silverware Tiara and Perpetual Trophy and a selection of quality gifts from the Newbridge range of jewellery.