It’s been a little over a week since Anna Jones did something completely unheard of as part of the Rose of Tralee selection process…
Anna Jones represented Cork and Circus Factory in the Cork Rose contest. Cormac Mohally and Noelle Ní Riagáin attended the night to represent on Circus Factory’s behalf. Although Anna was not selected to represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee contest, she did do something that has never been done before in the 64 years of the Rose of Tralee…ACROBATICS!
Read about Noelle’s experience below and watch Anna’s performance.
On Saturday the 20th May, I was one of the lucky few to receive a ticket to go see the Cork Rose Selection. Where 3 Judges had the challenge of picking one young woman, to go forward and represent Cork in the Rose of Tralee international festival.
L-R Noelle Ní Riagáin, Circus Viking Haj, Anna Jones, Cormac Mohally
Well, the ballroom of the Metropole Hotel was heaving. There were lovely young men dressed in tuxedos, melting due to the heat of the day, ready to help with whatever queries one might have. Gorgeous and beautifully dressed women doing the same. Inside the ballroom was a sea of Family, Friends, and sponsors wielding homemade banners in support of whichever Rose they wanted to win. I immediately felt unprepared, I had only thought about what to wear. My formative years were in the 80’s and I have fond memories of being allowed to stay up late to watch the Rose of Tralee on RTE. Back then I was mostly interested in the Fashion and the Talent.
Each Girl got her moment to shine. Olly Turner from Galway Bay FM interviewed all 22 ladies and kept us all interested and laughing in our sets. A very important job as it is a 4-hour plus, long event.
Anna Jones is Circus Factory’s Cork Rose. She told her story of how she is a tour guide on Spike Island and her journey into Circus and of the importance of Circus in her life and to many others in the Circus community. Her dress on the night was designed by her sister Maria Jones. It had two tasks: 1: to make Anna look Fabulous, 2: To transform into an Acrobatic Costume. Maria nailed both.
It was so moving and so wonderful to see an Art form so close to my heart being performed in a setting that it would not normally be performed in, to an audience that may not have ever gone to see a contemporary Circus show before.
Noelle Ní Riagáin
There have been many Talents presented by the Roses over the years, but from my understanding, of conversations had at the end of the evening, never has an Acrobatic Talent ever been performed in the 64 years of the Rose of Tralee being in existence.
Anna took to the stage with her acrobatic partner and escort Circus Viking Haj and they performed a beautifully choreographed acrobatic duet to “What a Wonderful World”.
It was so moving and so wonderful to see an Art form so close to my heart being performed in a setting that it would not normally be performed in. To an audience that may not have ever gone to see a contemporary Circus show before.
Circus, Street Arts and Spectacle are growing art forms in Ireland. Circus has a 300 year old history on this wee Island and only in 2023 did traditional circus get recognised as an art form.
Anna made her talent at the Cork Rose of Tralee look simple. It takes years of training to make it look that good, as with Haj. One of Circus Factory’s aims is to build a clear and visible brand that will help us build audiences and create meaningful partnerships. We also support the development of professional Circus Artists, Anna Jones is just that and we are very grateful to her for partnering with Circus Factory on her adventure in the Cork Rose of Tralee
I want to applaud Anna for bringing Circus on to the stage of the Rose of Tralee because I have no doubt that Street Arts, Spectacle and Circus will stand out as one of the most memorable talents the Rose of Tralee has ever seen.
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