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sister were born overseas – so I am the only dinky di in the
family". Sarah grew up in Kallaroo, where she told me her
family liked the street so much that they moved 3 times to
different houses in that same street!!
"I went to primary and high school in Ocean Reef, St Simon
Peter Primary from 89-96. Prendiville Catholic College 1997-
2001. I was head girl of PCC in 2001".
Sarah is currently studying Business at Edith Cowan
University in Joondalup and once she has completed her
business degree, intends to do a graduate diploma of
education which will allow her to become a teacher. "I
believed that this was the best way for me to go as it
allows me options in the future, either I can enter the
business world or I can teach – all depending on what life
throws at me at the time".
As well as studying, Sarah is working part time at Training
Course Professionals, a small business located in
Northbridge where they run occupational health and safety
courses such as the “Blue Card” course, Senior First Aid
etc.
"I babysit for a few families who are quite local to me, and
then in my spare time (of which there isn’t a lot!) I spend
a lot of time with my family and friends". "We have been to
Ireland visiting Mum’s family every few years since I was
born. Mum is one of 8 children so there is always lots of
craic. My aunties in Ireland have always said that I should
enter the Rose of Tralee, I just never thought that I would
be the right person to go for it. Eventually (after spending
Paddy’s Weekend at the Mighty Quinn, and reading the Irish
Scene) my friend Kym decided to enter me! I nearly killed
her for it, but in the end it turned out that she was right,
and I’ve had a great time."
Sarah told me there has been non-stop excitement since the
announcement!
"Needless to say the family back in Ireland are extremely
excited! – The kids (my cousins) have started making banners
already to bring down to Tralee; my 90yr old Grandfather has
said he will be there with bells on and cheering for me
louder than anyone else. My uncle thinks that he will need
to organise a coach just to get all the family there to see
me. And of course all the aunts are taking all the credit
saying they always told me, they knew I could be a Rose"
Sarah’s Mum and Dad are going to Ireland for the occasion...
"unfortunately all of my siblings have to work, or have
young families and can’t make the distance, but they are all
working out ways in which they can see the TV broadcast
live. I think the internet providers will make a bit of
money out of them over those few days. Mum and Dad had to
frantically re-book a cruise that they were booked onto at
the same time as the festival, so there has been great panic
trying to get all of that sorted". Sarah told me she was
looking forward to the opportunity to represent Perth in
Tralee – to be able to tell everyone of the beautiful place
she comes from, which she is proud to call home. "I am also
looking forward to the chance to meet the other Roses, who
have come from all over the world, with similar yet varying
backgrounds. And of course...my Irish family!! They are sooo
excited, that even when I arrive in Ireland (approx a week
before the ‘official’ festival) there will be a festival in
Dublin – created purely by my own family!"
Sarah’s Dad couldn’t make it to the Rose of Tralee Ball due
to illness but she said he was there with her in spirit,
"and will be there in Tralee!"
Sarah also took this opportunity to thank a few people. “The
Rose Committee, Kym Bourke – who entered me into the
competition in the first place, my family – for being my
famil, and the judges
Fred Rea
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