THE parents of a Rose of Tralee contestant who died last year have bought the Irish hotel which hosts the annual festival in a philanthropic gesture.
Dick and Eileen Henggeler, whose daughter Dorothy was the 2011 Washington DC Rose, were the successful bidders for Fels Point Hotel in Kerry.
The profits from the hotel will be reinvested into the development of a permanent dome and entertainment and conference centre adjacent to the venue.
Executive Chairman of the Rose of Tralee International Festival Anthony O’Gara will become the hotel’s Managing Director.
“The successful outcome of the bid will strengthen the long-term development and viability of the Festival in Tralee,” Mr O’Gara said.
“It has long been an ambition of the all organisers of the 56-year Festival to build a permanent dome and that goal will now be achieved.
“Such a development, in partnership with Kerry County Council, will provide a major boost to the local economy in Tralee and Kerry.”
The purchase from NAMA, which was brokered by CBRE, will be completed on June 4 following a 12-week bidding process.
Fels Point Hotel has hosted the Rose of Tralee International Festival since 2007.
The 2015 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 14-18.
