The Foynes Flying Boat museum recently hosted an Irish Coffee reception in conjunction the the 2009 International Rose of Tralee Festival. Attending were contestants (Roses) from all over the world, along with their escorts. The Rose of Tralee International Festival celebrates 50 years in 2009, and is one of Ireland's longest running festivals. It is based around the selection of the Rose of Tralee, an international event that encompasses young women of Irish descent from Ireland and around the world.

The Roses and their Escorts	Escort Stephen Guillmartin (Dublin) with Meghan Murphy (Boston), New England Rose, and Escort Paul Martin (Wexford) with Ashling Colton, New York Rose.
Kerry Rose Karen McGillycuddy pictured in the reception area of the museum.	Bridget Flanagan and Noelle Nicholson pictured with Escorts, L-R, Donal Droney (Kildare), Shane Burke (Dublin), David McNeela (Mayo), Peter Twomey (Ballyagran) and Denis Healy (Cork).

More information on the Rose of Tralee Festival can be found on their website at www.roseoftralee.ie.