Announcements

Contests for Irish Young Women Need Your Help

Although experiencing great success in our programs, the economy has also affected the level of financial support that is needed, as well as depleting the number of volunteers required to continue these contests at the level of excellence we all desire. Please consider assisting us in one way or another. Financial sponsorships are $10 up to $350 for a total budget of $700 for each of these events; we would like to have our budget secured by September 30 to ensure we have the means to continue their promotion.

Ennis-Phoenix Twinning Board Hosts 2010 Arizona Rose

ENNIS, CO CLARE, IRELAND—Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Rose had a whirlwind tour of County Clare over the weekend before joining the 31 others in Dublin today who are competing in the 51st annual Rose of Tralee International Festival. Coordinated by the Ennis-Phoenix Twinning Board, she shared in area events promoting programs between the two cities and more broadly between the two countries.

Arizona Colleen~Rose Helps The Irish Shop

Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Colleen and Rose helped The Irish Shop in Ennis launch Ballymorris Pottery and the Ennis range while visiting Ireland for the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Click here to read The Irish Shop's blog post about the event.

Rose of Tralee July Newsletter

The last newsletter before the Rose of Tralee International Festival begins at the end of August includes highlights of the current Rose's year, results from Regionals, and updates on other events. Click here to view the entire newsletter with photos.

The Waves of Ireland by Danielle McBurnett

The Waves of Ireland was composed and performed by Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Colleen and Rose, for the 2010 Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection. Danielle will be representing the Arizona Irish as the Arizona Rose at the 2010 Rose of Tralee regional competition in Ireland in June.

Arizona Colleen~Rose in Ireland

Danielle McBurnett - 2010 Arizona Colleen~Rose

Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Colleen and Rose, is currently in Ireland participating in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Follow her progress by reading updates on our Media page, and be sure to watch the televised Rose of Tralee Selection on Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24 from noon to 3:00 p.m. by visiting the RTE website at http://www.rte.ie.

Arizona Rose Wins Trip to Emerald Isle

Alexis with the 2009 Rose of Tralee

December 18, 2009
By Alexis Hodel as told to Ann Niemann

As the 2009 Arizona Colleen, I am honored to carry the dual title Arizona Rose and to have competed in the 50th annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in County Kerry, Ireland. The 16-day trip in August was one of the most unique and incredible adventures I have ever had. Although I had visited Ireland once before in 2005 for the World Championships of Irish Dancing, this opportunity was a completely new and different experience.

Introducing The 2010 Little Miss Shamrocks

The 2010 Little Miss Shamrocks with the Judges

December 9, 2009

The Arizona Irish Community welcomes two new Little Miss Shamrocks, selected among 17 contestants on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. Hosted by the Arizona Colleen Committee, we believe in creating a fun occasion for everyone there, and recognize the importance of sharing the title rather than focusing on one winner takes all. Every participant received an “all things shamrock” variety of gifts, a Little Miss Shamrock contestant tee-shirt, and will ride in the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix. The families and our local Irish can be VERY proud of these young ladies!

2010 Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection

The 2009 Arizona Colleen and Rose Contestants

December 9, 2009

The 27th Annual Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection invites the Irish Community and friends to attend this year’s grand event. The 2010 Arizona Colleen wins a prize package including $1,000 in scholarships and a trip to Ireland. She serves as a key spokesperson at Irish area events throughout the State and will carry the dual title of Arizona Rose when she competes at the Regionals competition in June that leads to the 51st Annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in County Kerry in Ireland next August. The final nights of judging are televised and represent one of the most watched programs in the country. The International Rose of Tralee wins a year-long world tour.

Chandler woman representing state in Irish culture fest

Alexis Hodel - 2009 Arizona Rose (close up)

Mar. 2, 2009 02:48 PM
The Chandler Republic

A Chandler woman who won the titles of 2009 Arizona Rose and Arizona Colleen will represent the state in the 50th annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in Ireland.

Alexis Hodel will be one of 50 women with the title of "rose" representing Irish centers from around the world. County Kerry hosts a series of events each August, including an elaborate parade with 60,000 attendees and culminating in two nationally televised programs with a viewing audience of 900,000.