The 2015 Rose of Tralee is just five weeks away and one of these lovely roses will walk away with the title, the Rose of Tralee.
Once again, the roses will travel far and wide, from Australai to Dubai, to Kentucky to Bahrain, making it a truly global contest.
Of course there’s one from each county of Ireland, so who do you think will win this year’s contest of these 35? contestants?
‘My name is Aedammair Ní Chiardha and I am 25 years old. I am originally from Dublin with 3 brothers and 1 sister.’
‘I am a proof-reader for the Irish language working in the Publications Office of the European Union in Luxembourg.’
‘I really enjoy my work and living in Luxembourg. At the moment I am trying my best to become fluent in French, slowly but surely I will get there.’
‘Hi, my name is Ailbhe Culleton. I am 27 years old and hail from ‘The Town’ of Portlaoise in Co. Laois. I am the oldest of four children; two brothers and one sister.’
‘I spent four years in London studying Speech and Language Therapy. I realised it was not for me so I changed direction and become a Secondary School Teacher.’
‘My name is Ailish and I am 25 years old. I come from a very close knit family and I am the middle child of three girls. I grew up on a farm in Monasterevin so I love spending time outdoors.’
‘I am currently working for Dell in their Limerick site so I live in Limerick during the week and return to the thoroughbred country at the weekend.’
‘I am 27 and was born and raised in The Netherlands by my Galwegian mother and Kerry-born father. I was part of the Redmond School of Irish Dancing performing across the Benelux countries.’
‘Since graduating I have worked in England, Ireland and Australia and am now specialising in Emergency Medicine.’
‘Hi my name is Aisling Keohane and I’m 25. I was born in Buckinghamshire, Aylesbury, UK. My mum, Susan is from Manchester and my dad, Jerome is a proud Cork man. I have two younger brothers, Jimmy and Joe.’
‘I am now working in Carlow in the National Centre for Men’s health where I undertake research in the area of men’s health with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention.’
‘Hi, I’m Alison Brolan and I’m 24 years old. A native of Tipperary, I grew up in Thurles town.’
‘I studied at Froebel College of Education, Blackrock, culminating in receipt of a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education from Trinity College, Dublin. Since then I have been teaching in Sacred Heart Senior National School in Tallaght, Dublin.’
‘My name is Andrea Keeney, I am 20 years old and proudly representing my home county of Donegal.’
‘I have recently completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at NUI Galway. I hope to qualify as a clinical psychologist and apply my learning to help others in relation to mental health. Currently, I am undertaking research on the ‘psychological appeal and aesthetic properties of dance’ in collaboration with an established professor in my college.’
‘Hi! My name is Aoife McCann, I am 19 and was proudly selected as the 2015 Fermanagh Rose.’
‘I am currently in my first year in Queens University Belfast, studying Law, and work part-time in the bar at the students union, where I pull a mean pint of Guinness!’
‘Hello, my name is Ava Mahony and I’m 25 years old. I am from the beautiful County Clare. My parents and both siblings originate from Kerry so the Rose of Tralee is a family event in our house.’
‘I work in the University of Limerick, lecturing in taxation. I can honestly say I love tax… not a common thing to hear!’
‘Bríd Madigan here, I’m 25 and I’m the Scotland Rose! I’m originally from Limerick and moved to Edinburgh three years ago to complete a postgraduate in Primary Teaching.’
‘I am currently working in Dunfermline, Fife in St. Margaret’s Primary school.’
‘ love to surf and am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I enjoy singing and music and for the past year I have been teaching the children at school to play the Ukulele, which is new to me also!
‘Hi! I’m Camille Sheehan and I am so thrilled to be this year’s Washington, D.C. Rose! I am 24 years old, and I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2013 with a degree in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations.’
‘I am very proud of my Irish heritage, which comes from my grandparents, who are from counties Sligo, Cork, Wexford and Westmeath.’
‘I am 27 years-old and was born and raised in Northern Alberta. I grew up spending most of my time on my family acreage, snowmobiling in the winters, and swimming in the river in the summers.’
‘After my degree I received a diploma as a Physical/Occupational Therapy Assistant, a background that helped me secure my current job in Health & Safety.’
‘I’m Chantel Cassidy and I am the 2015 North Carolina Rose of Tralee! I was born in Boston, Massachusetts but I was reared in the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina.’
‘I’m 21 years old and I am in my third year at North Carolina State University studying Communication and Public Relations with a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Go Pack!’
‘As a 23 year old from Moose Creek, Ontario, I was raised in a French-Canadian and Irish household. My mother originating from the same town and my father hailing from Co. Tyrone, I have had the privilege of developing a true appreciation and love for both of my cultures.’
‘My name is Claire O’Neill. I’m twenty years of age and I’m from a small country village called Burren in County Down. Currently, I’m studying a Food Science degree at Queens University, Belfast.’
‘I’m a keen baker and I’d have to say my speciality would be mint aero cheesecake!’
‘My name is Claire Walshe. I am 26 years old. I hold a B.Ed. Honours Degree from St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra and teach in Newtown National School, Co. Laois.’
‘I am a member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council comprised of a cross-section of young people nominated to the U.S. Embassy because they characterise the promising future of Ireland.’
Aisling Finnegan is a physiotherapist from Dublin. She also teaches pilates and said her dream job is to appear on the Walking Dead.
‘My name is Daphne Howard and I am incredibly proud to be the Longford Rose. A native of Newtownforbes, Co. Longford, I am 25 years old.’
‘I am a primary school teacher in a two-teacher school in Longford, having graduated from Trinity College in 2010.’
‘Hi, my name is Deirdre Ward and I am the Abu Dhabi 2015 Rose! I am 27 years old from Co. Donegal. I am teaching Kindergarten and living in the UAE.’
‘My time so far has been a positive one as I am enjoying meeting new people, learning new teaching styles and learning about the Arabian lifestyle.’
‘I am 25 years old from a very small community in Offaly called Bracklin, just outside Tullamore.’
‘I currently live in Dublin and have worked as a financial services auditor for KPMG since September 2012. I recently passed my final audit exams and am now a qualified chartered accountant.’
‘My name is Eiméar and I’m a 20 year old student busy fulfilling my dreams to become a teacher in the wonderfully unique St. Mary’s University College, Belfast. I hope to graduate in two years time and progress to teaching Religious Education in a post-primary school.’
‘That is of course if the option of becoming a full-time Disney Princess doesn’t work out!’
‘My name is Elysha Brennan, and I am honoured to be this year’s Meath Rose. I am 22 years old and from the beautiful coastal village of Bettystown.’
‘I spent an amazing 6 years at Gormanston College Co Meath where I graduated with a student of the year medal.’
‘Hello! My name is Emily Hughes. I am 22 years old and your 2015 Kentucky Rose.’
‘I was born and bred in Louisville, Kentucky but I have to say I am one proud Irish gal. My Irish roots come from my parents who are from County Tyrone, but ventured to the States in 1981.’
‘My name is Emma Robinson I’m 19 years old and I am this year’s Sligo representative for the Rose of Tralee. I am currently a first year Business student in the Sligo Institute of Technology and live at home with mum and dad.’
‘I’m a part time hip-hop dance teacher in the local Avalon centre to children aged between 4 and 12 years of age where my own love of dancing started.’
‘Hi! My name is Emma Rose Murphy and I am a 23 year old student teacher from Camlough in South Armagh.
‘I have been teaching music to children for the last 7 years and I am also pursuing the teaching of French as a career. I love working with young people and never have a day at work where I don’t laugh at least once.’
‘Hi all! My name is Erika Healy, and I am 27 years old. I am so honored and excited to represent the Toronto Rose for 2015. I am a recent nursing graduate, looking to pursue a career in the mental health field.’
‘My Irish roots come from my parents and grandparents who are from Co. Kerry. My parents moved to Canada when my mom was pregnant with me in 1987.’
‘Hi everyone! My name is Jenny Hanlon, I’m nineteen years old and I live in a small quaint place called Cooley in Ireland’s smallest county, Louth!’
‘At the minute I am finishing a one year course studying business in Maynooth university, however I hope to make it as a singer someday.’
‘My name is Joy Shannan Kerrigan; I am 24 years old and I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. I moved to Melbourne with my family in June 2010 and have fallen completely in love with it.’
‘My Pa, James Kerrigan, was born in Edenderry, a town in Country Offaly, where his father was Bank Manager of the Hibernian Bank of Ireland. When he was 4 years old he moved to Athy, where he remained until moving to Zimbabwe.’
‘My name is Katherine McConville. I am 22 years old and from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. I currently reside in Newcastle, England and I am in my final year of a four year Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Language Sciences at Newcastle University.’
‘I feel privileged to be an ambassador for young Irish women in the North East Region of England and to be an added member to the Rose of Tralee family.’
‘I am Kaytee Szente, a 20 year old native Clevelander currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree for Paralegal Studies.’
‘My great, great grandfather, Patrick McGinty, first traveled to America from Tonragee Achill County Mayo in 1908 and his wife followed from Cashel Achill Island in 1929.’
‘As former editor of my high school newspaper, I have learned how the few words of one can impact the hearts of dozens and with these words we must only speak of love, positivity, life and happiness.’
‘Hello! My name is Lauren Waller and I am proud to be your 2015 Southern California Rose. I was born in Los Angeles and have proud Irish roots in Counties Roscommon and Clare.’
‘I am a 20-year-old junior at Pepperdine University in Malibu majoring in Theater Production and Design, with an emphasis in Stage Management.’
‘I am an artist, singer, poet, lyricist, musician and avid proponent of the theater.’
‘Hi everyone! My name is Lelia Maguire. I am twenty three years of age and the youngest of a family of six. I am very close to my family and love spending time with my eleven amazing little nieces and nephews.’
‘I am very excited to be finishing my four year Primary School teaching degree with the Froebel Department in Maynooth University this year. I absolutely love teaching and I have really enjoyed my teaching placements.’
‘I am 26 years old and hail from the picturesque village of Redhills, which is nestled in the hills of Co. Cavan.’
‘I studied a 3 year honours degree in Irish and Geography at N.U.I Maynooth, followed by two years teaching in Loreto College Cavan, in which I gained confidence in teaching. Whilst working, I completed the Higher Diploma In Primary Education with Hibernia College. I finally attained my ‘dream job’ as a primary school teacher.’
‘Hi! Is mise Maeve McSweeney from Chicago, Illinois, President Barack Obama’s hometown. I am 21 years of age and currently on the pre-med track at Marquette University to become a Medical Doctor specializing in Pediatrics.’
‘I have one brother, Rory, 23. My mother, Julia, is from Ardee, Co. Louth. My dad, Tim, was born and raised in Chicago.’
‘I’m Mairéad and I’m 27-years-old. I was raised outside Philadelphia with five sisters Charlotte, Nicole, Bridget, Eilish, Shania and our brother Michael. We were very fortunate to grow up spending summers watching Gaelic in Philadelphia and visiting family in Ireland-always up to mischief with cousins on family farms.’
‘ I currently work as a Culture Specialist for investment company, Vanguard Group, globalizing their recognition programs.’
‘Hello, I’m Mallory Melton, the 2015 Arizona Rose. I am twenty-three years old and I live in Tempe, Arizona (part of the Phoenix metro area).’
‘I currently work for DK Advocates as a job coach, where I train individuals with barriers to employment to work with animals to prepare them for jobs in the pet industry. I myself am a huge animal lover, with no less than four cats and two dogs (and all the pet hair that goes with them).’
‘Hello my name is Marie Ryan. I am 26 years old and the 2015 Dubai Rose. I come from a small town in Tipperary called Borrisoleigh, famous for its ‘Tipperary Spring Water’ and strong hurling traditions.’
‘I took a career break from my PE and mathematics teaching job in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick and made the move to Dubai last summer.’
‘Hello! My name is Marisa Conroy and I am beyond honored to be the 2015 San Francisco Rose. I am proud to say that I am a San Francisco native, and even prouder to call San Francisco my home for the majority of my 24 years. I first visited Ireland in 2009, and I’m thrilled to be back.’
‘During the day, I work for a theater production company that produces shows on Broadway and brings new theater pieces to the Curran Theater in San Francisco. At night, I write and perform with my comedy troupe, Save the Children.’
‘My name is Megan Swart, I’m 18 years old, and a leaving Cert student in Carnew, Co. Wicklow. I was born in South Africa and have lived most of my life in Ireland. I have a huge interest in travelling and experiencing different cultures.’
‘In school I have been on the Student Council and this year I was elected Chairperson. I was a Senior Prefect and was also elected as a Meithal Leader. ‘
‘Hi everyone! My name is Michelle Caulfield. I am 27 years old and I hail from the lovely village of Scotstown in County Monaghan. I’m the oldest of four children and I am grateful to be part of a very close knit family!
‘I am a Junior Infants teacher in Palmerstown, County Dublin.’
‘Salam Alaikom guys! I am so excited to be the Bahrain Rose and privileged to represent this amazing country. So, I just turned 25 and I am from a little place called Cork.
‘I am an Occupational Therapist and I work in a centre with children who have special needs. I love going to work every morning and I have so much fun in what I do. This was 100% the path I was meant to take.’
‘I have lived in Derby since I was six months old, and I am delighted to be representing Derby in this year’s Rose of Tralee festival. I am very proud of my Irish heritage. My Mum and Grandad were born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and my Granny was from Donegal.’
‘Keen for me to keep up the family tradition, my mum took me to Irish dancing classes when I was six and now aged 22 I’m still dancing! I recently competed in the 2015 World Irish Dancing Championships in Canada.’
‘I am 21 years old, and was born on Bell Island, Newfoundland. I am in my third year of Computer Systems Engineering, and enjoy anything computer/science oriented. You can find me every spring at the local sci-fi convention!’
‘I am currently in the process of making a documentary about my hometown. I enjoy playing the piano, and am learning the fiddle, guitar and accordion. I can date my mom’s Irish heritage back 5 generations to Ballylongford in County Kerry.’
‘I am 25 years old and from the lovely village of Moycullen. I’m one of six girls and love being part of such a big, close-knit family!’
‘I have worked for the past two years in Trinity College as a Psychology Researcher, where I manage a study aiming to reduce social isolation.’
‘ I’m an avid equestrian enthusiast, tag rugby player and runner. Supporting people with learning disabilities is a huge part of my life and I volunteer weekly assisting with therapeutic horse-riding lessons.’
‘Hi, I’m Rachel O’Neill and I’m the 2015 Limerick Rose. I’m 22 years old and I graduated from Mary Immaculate College last October with a Bachelor in Primary Education.’
‘I am currently working as a resource teacher in St.Nessans N.S in Mungret and absolutely love it.’
‘I love being active and staying fit. You’ll find me in the gym most evenings and I try my best to eat healthily, although this is very difficult when you are a chocoholic!’
‘Guten Tag! My name is Róisín Ní Mhathúna, I am 22 years old, was born in Birmingham, England, but raised in Rush, Dublin.’
‘I speak German and work in a multilingual Kindergarten in Berlin.’
‘I also have a decent level of French and understand some Spanish. I believe my love of languages is inspired by my sisters and I having always attended Gaelscoileanna.’
‘Hello! My name is Sarah Hogan, I’m 20 years old and I am delighted to be representing Boston & New England! My Irish heritage comes from my father, a proud Kerryman. I studied at The New School University in New York City where I majored in Media Studies and Theater.’
‘I am working with a teenager with Autism, as well as on the creative team for a film editing app for the iPhone that will be released soon. I am proud to call myself an Irish American.’
‘My name is Sarah Murphy and this year I was selected as the 2015 Roscommon Rose. I am 21 years old and am from Co Roscommon. Currently, I am in my 4th year of medical school in UCD, which I am loving.’
‘Within UCD, I try to be as involved as possible. In the past year, I was on the editorial team of UCD’s Student Medical Journal and had two publications in this year’s issue.’
‘Hi, I’m Sarah Tobin. I’m a 23 year old Staff Nurse, currently working on a surgical ward in Cork University Hospital.’
‘I enjoy caring for people daily at their most vulnerable times and I feel privileged to be part of their journey.’
‘I have a passion for traditional Irish music and dance, beginning from an early age, which stems from my parents. This interest has provided me with the fondest of memories and great friends through travelling around Ireland, Wales, the Czech Republic and Philadelphia partaking in competitions and performing in traditional shows.’
‘Hello. I’m Shannon and I’m 27 years old. I am delighted to be representing my native home: Nottingham. I am immensely proud of my Irish heritage and love to visit my father’s home in Aran Islands, Galway. My mother’s family hail from Rosslare Harbour in Wexford.’
‘I am a secondary school English teacher which has been my ambition from a young age. At school I run a number of charity events from bake sales to ‘bouceathons.”
‘Hi everyone! My name is Shannon Kelahan-Pierson, and I am thrilled to be the first Rose selected from beautiful South Carolina! I am 21 years old and a third year undergrad at Coastal Carolina University studying for my Bachelors in Marine Science.’
‘I also work as a teacher’s assistant and co-founded a research program with one of my professors to give students a chance to conduct their own research at one of the most diverse artificial reefs in the state.’
‘Hello I’m Sinéad Flynn and I am the 2015 Leitrim rose. I am 22 years old and come from a small town called Ballinamore. My dad is Cathal, a Leitrim man, and my mum Phil is a proud Meath woman.’
‘I am a hairdresser and work in a local salon called Allure Hair. After finishing school I went on to study in Ballinode Community College where I studied hairdressing.’
‘In 2012 I had my little boy Kailum. With the amazing help and support of my friends and family I returned to college 3 weeks after having Kailum to finish my course.’
‘Hi. My name is Siobhán Thompson, and I am so honored to be the 2015 Texas Rose of Tralee. I am a 24 year old from Houston, Texas…which is also exciting, because in the 31 year history of the Texas Rose, I am the first Rose chosen from Houston!’
‘I am a brand new graduate from the University of Houston, earning a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, and am currently looking for a job as a high school choir teacher.’
‘Fáilte! My name is Siochfreadh Ní Lachtnáin and I am 24 years old. I come from a beautiful town called Newport in Co. Mayo. I am an identical twin in a big family of three boys and five girls.’
‘I’m currently working as a research scientist at a company called BD GenCell. My job can be challenging but that is what I love about R&D and the people I work with really make the place for me.’
‘Hello! My name is Sophie Colgan, I’m 23 years of age and delighted to be the 2015 New York Rose. I come from Lisnacree, in Co. Down where I grew up in a family of nine. After graduating with a degree in Communications and PR, I pursued my dream of moving to NY.’
‘I work as an Intern for Construction Company J.T. Magen in Manhattan, whilst pursuing a career in Public Relations in the non profit industry.’
‘Hi! My name is Trish Carty; I’m 27, and hail from just outside Gorey, Co.Wexford. I have a degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing and worked in a residential service for adults with severe/profound intellectual disabilities.’
‘I now work as a Clinical Nurse Manager in St.Anthony’s Day Service for adults with intellectual disabilities, in County Wexford Community Workshop.’
‘Hi! My name is Victoria McNamee, I am 27 years old and a Psychology graduate.’
‘I work as a Special Educational Needs classroom assistant in a small, rural school which I thoroughly enjoy and hope to complete a doctorate in Educational Psychology.’
‘The Rose Festival has always been annual event in our household for as long as I can remember. I now follow in my aunt’s footsteps as a Rose who represented San Francisco in 1987.’
The Rose of Tralee Festival takes place from August 14th to 18th.
For more information on the 2015 Roses, see the official Rose of Tralee website.
The post Meet this year’s Roses – Who’ll win the 2015 Rose of Tralee? appeared first on EVOKE.ie.