Derek Ryan is set to achieve a career highlight and a longtime ambition to appear and perform at the International Rose of Tralee next week. This will be the 58th year of the unique festival, which is celebrated among Irish communities all over the world.
The two-night live TV spectacular, which attracts one of the largest TV audiences in Ireland and globally online, is a mix of beauty, storytelling and girls performing their favourite party-piece. The key element for the Roses is their personality and their ability to be an ambassador for the festival around the world.
Derek recalls as a child, watching the Rose of Tralee on television at home, which was never missed by his parents. For the young Derek it also signaled the end of the summer holidays.
Ten years ago, whilst playing a one man show in Queens Park London, he provided the music and equipment for a local heat; Something he remembers fondly now 10 years later with his appearance in the Dome Tralee.
Derek will perform on both nights of the RTE TV show, singing the finale theme song when the 2017 Rose is crowned.
The Rose of Tralee is broadcast on Monday and Tuesday 21st and 22nd August on RTE 1 Television at 8.00 p.m.
