New Rose of Tralee for Sandwell

Jun 1 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A NEW Rose of Tralee has been picked for Sandwell after the original winner was controversially stripped of her title.

The Mail revealed yesterday how 25-year-old Sarah Howard had been left devastated after being told she would not be allowed to keep her crown just two weeks after winning the title.

Sarah refused to sign a terms and conditions agreement which would have meant all her assignments and duties were controlled by the competition sponsors, the Sandwell Irish Society.

Society Development manager Siobhan Gorman today unveiled 24-year-old Claire Diamond, originally from Lavey, Northern Ireland, as the new Sandwell Rose.

Mrs Gorman confirmed that Claire's opportunity had come about after "the original young woman" selected as the Sandwell Rose of Tralee felt unable to sign the required information and guidance.

Claire finished runner-up to Sarah in the contest at Oldbury on May 11 but she now goes forward to the British regional final of the Rose of Tralee contest at Solihull on June 9.

If successful she will go forward to the Rose of Tralee International Final at Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, in August.

Mrs Gorman added: "All of the young ladies taking part in this year's selection event had the qaulities we seek in our Sandwell Rose - a young lady with character, personality, charisma and poise, a role model for young women and an ambassador for our community.

"Claire will be invited to attend numerous functions and take part in community events throughout the coming year, which I am sure she will enjoy. I look forward to working with her throughout the coming year."

Claire said: "I feel honoured to be in a position to represent the Irish community, also the wider community in Sandwell and the Black Country, and look forward to my year as the Sandwell Rose."

Sarah said today she had handed back her sash and rosebowl. "I had to stand up for what I believe in and did not want to be tied to strict conditions," she added.