Photo: Keriayn with dad, Bill, and mom Teresa

Keriayn O’Donnell has recently returned from Ireland where she was competing in the regional finals of the 2011 Rose of Tralee Festival.

Keriayn was the first local girl to be chosen to represent the City of Denver as the Denver Rose in this prestigious event. Although she performed well in all aspects of the four day event, she was not among the girls chosen to attend the finals to be held in August. The competition was fierce and, unfortunately, only 23 of the 51 entrants could advance to the finals. Besides the disappointment of not advancing to the finals, Keriayn suffered a stress fracture in her foot the first night of the competition and was not able to perform the slip jig she had been practicing for the judges. She elected instead to perform a piano piece.

All in all, though, the trip was a good one for Keriayn and her family as they were able to do some sight seeing before her competition and visit with cousins in Cahir, County Tipperary. In a show of family support, six O’Donnells from Tipperary attended judged events during the festival.

Keriayn will continue to represent the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee at State and local functions as Queen Colleen until her successor is chosen this Fall.