Ryan Tubridy’s fiancée, Clare Kambamettu, has been announced as one of the judges for this year’s Rose of Tralee.
A former contestant herself, Clare took part in the festival in 2010 as the London Rose, while living and working in the UK.
She will now join a distinguished judging panel that includes RTÉ presenter Nuala Carey, Aisling Murphy of sponsor Murphy’s New Homes, and fashion designer Don O’Neill — all tasked with selecting the next Rose.
The judges will also evaluate 30 international Roses, who are currently on their Rose Tour, making stops in Meath, Limerick, and Tralee before the competition kicks off in Kerry from August 15 to 19.
Clare has remained closely connected to the festival since her own appearance, regularly judging local and regional selection events.
Away from the Rose of Tralee, she boasts an impressive academic background, with a BA from the University of Galway, a Master’s from King’s College London, and a PhD from Galway.
Today, she runs her own psychology clinic in Swords, specialising in forensic mental health.
This year’s Rose of Tralee will once again be hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas.
Sharing the news with his listeners on Q102 this morning, Ryan said: “I have a little bit of news that I was kind of keeping a little bit to myself, to ourselves…
“However, the cat has been removed from the bag for a number of reasons, and I’m very, very, very happy to confirm that I did indeed get engaged to my partner Clare on Thursday evening in the West of Ireland.
“It’s a very exciting time to be alive. I’m a very, very lucky man. I think it’s one of those beautiful moments where the world feels lighter and there’s a beautiful new adventure ahead.”