History
The Philadelphia Rose of Tralee selection began in 2002 and is sponsored by the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Center of Philadelphia (IIPCP), a non-profit which provides assistance and various social services to Irish immigrants in the Philadelphia area. The annual Rose Selection also serves as the IIPCP's main annual fundraiser.
In the past five years, the event has grown larger and more popular. Outgrowing its original venue of St. Luke's Church in Broomall, the selection is now held in the ballroom in the Hyatt Penn's Landing, overlooking the Delaware River. Michele McCormack (formerly of WPVI - Channel 6) has served as emcee of the event for the past four years; her connection to the Rose of Tralee is strong - she's a former Chicago Rose!
The Philadelphia Rose of Tralee began as a response to the lack of Philadelphian representation in the very popular international festival. The IIPCP felt that it was very important that Philadelphia, a city with such a strong Irish community and a hub of Irish cultural activity, be a part of the beloved Rose of Tralee tradition. Tralee was more than happy to welcome Philadelphia into the international festival, therefore giving Irish-American women from the Philadelphia region the opportunity to represent their city and culture in an international venue.
