Donegal Rose Amy Callaghan has earned praise for her bravery after discussing mental health in tonight's Rose of Tralee Selection Night.
The Rose of Tralee Festival is as much about the social media reaction these days than it is about the live programme, and Twitter comments give an interesting and entertaining outlook on the event.
Letterkenny woman Amy Callaghan was the sixth Rose to take to the stage and chat with Daithi O Se tonight in part one of the selection finals. Her interview made a big impact online and earned her much praise as an advocate for mental health awareness.
You can watch a snippet from her interview here:
Donegal Rose, Amy discusses her mental health – what a brave lady. #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/MFSzCSc1IM
— RTE One (@RTEOne) August 21, 2017
Here’s what Twitter users had to say about our Donegal Rose:
I know a fair few strong Donegal women but i thought the #DonegalRose was outstanding #MentalHealth #RoseOfTralee ??? Hard to beat.
— Trish (@a_pisces_fish) August 21, 2017
Donegal Rose speaking out about her mental health and how she overcame her "blip" in life is a testament to her: G'wan the mná #RoseOfTralee
— Lovin Dublin (@LovinDublin) August 21, 2017
Super proud of our #DonegalRose Amy Callaghan @DonegalRoseInt . You have just won everyone's heart! #Roseoftralee #Donegal #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/dgeFYLPHVw
— Anne Tuohy (@RoomJunkieAnne) August 21, 2017
#roseoftralee #donegalrose #mentalhealth really appreciated her honesty and she was a natural to talk ??❤️ https://t.co/Qlk8ZMM5rQ
— Lisa the singer (@lizzieraisin) August 21, 2017
Not a massive #RoseOfTralee fan but well impressed to hear the #DonegalRose talking about #mentalhealth Xx
— Michelle Mac Mullan (@MichelleMacM) August 21, 2017
Using the platform for a wonderful message. I applaud her bravery. Very proud of our Donegal Rose #Roseoftralee
— Ann Doherty (@annsinead) August 21, 2017
Amy’s cousins, reporter and presenter Ciara Doherty and communications consultant Amy Rose Harte, were especially proud of her tonight:
So proud of the little girl I used to babysit #timereallyflies #donegalrose https://t.co/7ZJnCK0HGo
— Ciara Doherty (@ciarathedoc) August 21, 2017
Donegal Rose talented and humble and real. Also my cousin!! So proud Amy Callaghan. #Roseoftralee
— Amy Rose Harte (@amyroseharte) August 21, 2017
The 22-year-old also impressed with her aerial dancing performance, which was a unique addition to the show that got people talking.
The Donegal rose is breaking stigmas and doing aerial gymnastics #fave #Roseoftralee
— Aoife (@adeery509) August 21, 2017
So far we've had puppetry, whipping and now aerial hooping courtesy of Donegal Rose. The weird and wonderful circus that is #Roseoftralee
— Laura Butler (@lauralubutler) August 21, 2017
Of course it wouldn’t be true Rose of Tralee commentary without a poke at events in the traditional festival too! Overall, Amy was praised for addressing a personal struggle and did Donegal proud in the dome.
Now, we have to wait until all 32 Roses are interviewed before the winner is announced tomorrow night. Best of luck to the Donegal Rose Amy Callaghan.
August 22, 2017
Well done Amy your honesty is as refreashing!! As you..Go Amy!!Go!! Looking gud gurl..we will be cheering you on in Browne s Bar Cross roads tonight..looking gud in the tux s Semis Best of luck from former Ulster Rose ? Bonnie Browne 1986 and Anita Browne 1983.. Go Amy