Posted online: Aug 30th, 2010

By Sinéad Flanagan
Editor

THERE WAS MUCH cheer in Athy last week as another talented young woman scooped the title of Rose of Tralee.
With Charmaine Kenny saying her goodbyes, the gates were opened for Clare Kambamettu (25) who was representing London in the contest. The Athy woman, whose father is assistant county coroner and has a medical practice in the town, beat off stiff competition from around the world to win the top spot.
Cllr Richard Daly said: “Congratulations to Clare Kambamettu who portrayed herself, her family, her town and her county so well. A very competent replacement for Charmaine Kenny who brought the role of Rose to new heights.
“Rarely could a town be as fortunate as Athy to have its talented young ladies recognised on the international stage. Charmaine has used the opportunity to bring credit to us all by highlighting social injustice and raising the spirits of all sections of society.
“This is a significant year for Athy which has been chosen as Ireland’s first SHINE town and having the Rose title coming from here will add to the tourist and business potential which it can unleash.”
The new rose made her way to the Curragh on Sunday as she headed the judging panel for Newbridge Silverware’s ‘Search for a Style Icon’ competition.