Splinter event is disowned in war of the Roses

The Rose of Tralee Festival committee has dissociated itself from a breakaway Irish Rose Ball to be held in London on Saturday.

Last year's festival committee asked the various Rose of Tralee centres around the world to contribute £1,500 to this year's event, which runs from August 18th to August 22nd.

Members of some British-based groups were unhappy with this, and although Britain will be represented at the festival, a separate Irish Rose Ball will take place on Saturday in the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, sponsored by the Irish Post.

Ms Norah Casey, chief executive of Smurfit Media UK, owners of the Irish Post, said social events that maintained links between Ireland and Irish people living in Britain were important.

"We have five great girls - all intelligent, career-minded women who will take part in the first gala Irish Rose final."

The women competing in the British ball are: Ms Michelle O'Donoghue, from Leeds; Ms Paula Costello, representing Manchester; Welsh Rose Ms Orla McLoughlin; Ms Marie Cleary, from the midlands; and Ms Siobhan Leonard, the London Rose.

As well as the usual collection of ballgowns, champagne and makeovers, the prizes for the winner of the Irish Rose Ball include an iMac computer. The chairman of the Rose of Tralee Festival, Mr Neill O Loingsigh, said the Irish Rose Ball had no connection with the Kerry event.

"The Rose of Tralee Festival is looking forward to a very successful festival this year. We don't want to comment on organisations that aren't affiliated to the Rose of Tralee," he said.

The festival committee yesterday announced that Westlife and Samanatha Mumba would be performing at this year's festival.