ROSE FESTIVAL: Rose of Tralee winner Kirsten Mate-Maher pictured with Sean Taaffe

A multi­-award winning Killarney businessman has this week announced that he plans to extend his partnership with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Sean Taaffe Hair and Beauty, who are doubling the size of the Killarney salon’s seating capacity from 25 to 43, will also be the Official Hair Partner for the Festival again this year as it celebrates its 60^thyear.

Alongside his team, Sean, who was recently appointed as President of the Hairdressing Council of Ireland, will style the hair of 32 Roses, and apply the make-up for their appearances on TV in the Dome and for the social event of the year in Munster, the International Rose Ball from Friday August 23 to Tuesday 27.

Sean Taaffe is the owner of salons in Tralee, Killarney and Killorglin, with a team of 65 talented hairdressing professionals.

“We are proud to be involved in the staging of the Rose of Tralee International Festival,”Sean, a leading stylist with 30 years’ hairdressing experience, said.

“Over the past four years, we have gained an insight to the time, effort and attention to detail that combine to make the Rose of Tralee such a beacon for Tralee and the county as a whole on a global stage. I believe that more businesses need to get involved with the Festival. We have built great relationships with the organisers and we are looking forward to continuing our journey with the Festival as it celebrates 60 years in 2019.”

John Drummey, Communications Manager for Rose of Tralee International Festival, added that the Festival is delighted with the partnership and the fact that Sean Taaffe is a Kerry-based company fills them with immense pride.

“Sean and his team bring a more creative edge to the Roses’ hair each year, which is not surprising for one of the recognised leaders in the industry in Ireland.”