Sean O'Farrell pulls a Christmas cracker with Rose of Tralee winner, Rachel Duffy, at the Moate Retirement Village Christmas Party on Friday. Originally from Rosemount, Sean O' was also celebrating his 91st birthday with friends at Moate Retirement Village, which is now known as Moree Village.

Moate retirement village gets festive visit from Rose of Tralee

Adrian Cusack

Published: Mon 19 Dec 2022, 2:02 PM

Last updated: Mon 19 Dec 2022, 3:02 PM

Moate Retirement Village (Moree Village) had a very special guest for its annual Christmas party last week, when Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy paid a visit to the residents.

The party took place in the residents' lounge on Friday last, December 16. It began with Fr Jimmy Murray offering Mass for the residents and their families, with a number of residents participating in the readings and prayers of the faithful.

Following Mass, presents were distributed to all village residents by Jimmy Keane and landlord Fiachra McLoughlin, who thanked all of the residents for their support to each other during the past year.

Josie Adamson provided excellent music for the event, with many residents enjoying the singing and dancing.

The arrival of the special VIP guest, Rose of Tralee winner Rachel Duffy, left residents dumbfounded.

Rachel spoke about extensive series of events she attends during her reign as Rose. She is regularly at events all over Ireland, and has recently returned from Kolkata, India, where she travelled with the Hope Foundation.

Future trips on her itinerary include Frankfurt, Australia, and the St Patrick's Day parade in New York, where Rachel will be flying the flag for the Rose of Tralee Festival, for Rosemount, Westmeath, and Ireland.

Rachel posed for photos with all the residents in addition to rendering many songs to the enjoyment of all present.