RTÉ star, fashion designer and local councillor among the judges for 2024 Rose of Tralee

The judging panel for the 64th edition of the world-renowned Rose of Tralee festival has been revealed, with a star-studded panel set to take on the job of selecting the next Rose of Tralee.

The fate of who will become the next Rose of Tralee lies in the hands of the four distinguished judges, made up of a Rose of Tralee, an RTÉ star, a councillor and an international fashion designer to the stars. 

The 2024 Selection panel will consist of the four judges and will be chaired this year by 1998 Rose of Tralee, Luzveminda O’Sullivan.

Luzveminda, a native of Castlebar, Co Mayo, is a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry with more than 20 years’ experience and still returns to the Festival as often as possible since her win 26 years ago in 1998.

Returning to the panel this year is Nuala Carey of RTÉ Weather and National Lottery fame. Having worked in broadcasting all her career, and been a lifelong fan of the Festival, Nuala understands just how difficult a task she and her fellow judges have ahead of them.

“Last year was a wonderful experience – from meeting such an array of talented and personable young women to spending time with my fellow judges. I am really looking forward to collaborating with the judges once again this year – we promise to make a formidable team!”

Another returning member of the Judging Panel for 2024 is Ollie Turner – a Galway broadcaster who has been head of Sport with Galway Bay FM since 2000 and was recently elected as a local councillor in Co Galway.  

Ollie has been involved with the Festival for more than 20 years, acting as compere at county Rose Selections all around the country, where his quick wit and relaxed style have endeared him to Rose of Tralee audiences nationwide. He has previously held the esteemed position of International judge at the Festival in both 2018 and 2023. 

The final member of the 2024 Judging Panel is international fashion designer to the stars and proud Kerryman, Don O’Neill. Don recently relocated home to Ireland with his husband Pascal Guillermie, having spent 30 years in New York, and has recently been elected to the board of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland, where his goal is to give back to the makers in Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Luzveminda O’Sullivan said: “‘It is truly a special honour to be a part of the International Judging Panel for 2024. The Rose of Tralee is an important, positive and significant part of my life and has been for many years now. 

“I am very much looking forward to meeting all of this year’s Roses and choosing our 2024 International Rose of Tralee, who will embark on what will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience. I am 100 per cent confident that together with the other judges, we will choose the next worthy ambassador for this wonderful Festival and all that it encompasses.”

The National Rose Tour begins on Sunday, August 11 with the Festival itself taking place from Friday the 16th to Tuesday the 20th of August. 

Audience tickets for RTÉ’s two live televised Selection Nights on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August are available via the Rose of Tralee website.