Rose's finances swelled by Irish drubbing

SUPPLIED

Alana Marshall

Relevant offers

Ireland's record 60-point drubbing at the hands of a ruthless All Blacks side had a silver lining for New Zealand Rose of Tralee Alana Marshall.

Off to Ireland in six weeks to compete in the Rose of Tralee International Festival, the New Plymouth District Council worker had organised a money-raising shindig at Rosie's Irish Pub.

Part of that money raising involved pledges for every point scored by the All Blacks in their third test against Ireland. So despite having a "soft spot" for the green-clad lads, Miss Marshall could not help but smile when their line was crossed over and over again.

"I had people like Barbara McKerrow pledging 50 cents a point. So I made a lot of money last night," she said.

But then being Rose of Tralee requires a lot of money. For the 10 days of the festival Miss Marshall needs 19 different outfits. Some of these she has bought, some she has borrowed and some she is still looking for.

"Well if anybody has got anything to offer I would not say no. I am always on the lookout and haven't got anything to wear when I am on TV yet. If anybody has anything with a bit of wow factor, that's what I need."

Miss Marshall will be competing against 31 other roses from the United Kingdom, USA, Australia and even Germany.

New Zealand women have won the event twice before.

- © Fairfax NZ News