TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival is brought to you by CH Tralee…
You’ve met the first 16 Rose of Tralee 2024 contestants, now it’s time to meet the remaining Roses…
Monaghan
My name is Anne-Marie, I’m 26 years old, and from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. I am honoured to represent the “stony grey soil of Monaghan” for the 2024 Rose Festival.
Last year, I graduated with a Master of Education in Primary School Teaching from Hibernia College. I now work in an all-girls primary school in Dublin’s northeast inner city. I love singing, dancing, hiking, and going to the gym.
While I enjoy the diverse experiences Dublin offers, my heart will always be in Monaghan, where I cherish time with friends, family, and my lovely dog, Marley.
I’m passionate about my community’s vibrant culture, especially our love of country music – I am no stranger to getting up for a jive or two! I love to support both local and national charities and am passionate about volunteering.
Last year, I completed two half marathons, raising significant funds for the Carrickmacross Cancer Society, a cause that is extremely dear to my heart.
Representing Monaghan in the Rose of Tralee is something I have dreamt about since I was a wee girl. I am really looking forward to the journey ahead and creating lasting memories.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Now 27 years old, my journey began in the rugged beauty of outport Newfoundland and Labrador.
Raised by parents who embodied hard work and innovation, I developed an appreciation for my roots and a love for the land. After graduating with honours from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce, I earned my Certified Associate in Project Management.
My career has spanned roles in corporate, private, and non-profit sectors. As a multidisciplinary consultant, I became involved in entrepreneurship, business development, and Indigenous engagement and Nation rebuilding. I co-founded Paskwâw Harbour Strategies Inc. to bridge Indigenous wisdom with Western perspectives, creating consulting strategies that prioritise cultural values and positive impact.
Volunteering with organizations like Make-A-Wish allows me to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. My journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and meaningful connections.
As I continue to expand my horizons and make my mark on the world, one thing remains constant: supporting women to be themselves, unapologetically.
New York
Hello! My name is Billie Aoife Cooper and I am 25 years old. I hail from Cavan, but I’ve been so lucky to call many places home throughout my life.
I grew up in Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan, with my twin sister, Lucy, and younger brother, Kenneth. My mother, Thérèse, was raised just down the road in Killeshandra, and my father, Patrick, is from Cork.
I spent several years living in Singapore and China where the Irish communities were so vibrant that even halfway around the world, I never felt too far from home. There, I learned how to Irish dance and play Gaelic and Rugby.
As a teenager, my family relocated to the states, and I’ve since lived in Michigan, Chicago, Boston, and New York! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston University and I’m currently getting my Masters in Social Work at Columbia University.
I’ve been working in the mental and behavioural health field for just over three years now. When I’m not studying, I enjoy running, reading, or cross stitching! It’s the biggest honour to represent both Cavan and New York at this year’s Festival – my home and my home away from home!
North Carolina
Hey y’all! My name is Kathryn, I’m 27 and was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. My grandmother was from Galway and immigrated to North Carolina (via Boston) in her late teens.
Our family has been here ever since, and it is an honor to represent her journey and the Irish community of North Carolina. I recently graduated with my Masters of Arts in International Higher Education from Boston College and work as a Program Manager for the Office of Global Education.
I manage and advise all Irish and Italian study abroad programs. Before pursuing my masters, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina, where I spent time studying in Ireland and working at a refugee resettlement agency.
These experiences sparked my passion for cultural exchange and global education, which led me to teach English in Spain before pursuing graduate school.
I believe that study abroad and exchange is an incredible opportunity to shift perspectives, promote understanding and create global citizens. When I am not working or studying, I can most likely be found traveling, trying new restaurants, or enjoying the sunshine. I am so excited for the journey ahead!
New Zealand
Kia ora and Dia dhuit! I’m a 21-year-old, fourth-year student at Canterbury University, studying a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy. I have recently completed a placement at a special needs school for children with autism.
I hope to work in the healthcare or disability sector, helping children to communicate effectively. I love New Zealand, where I was born and raised by my Irish father and Kiwi mother. I live in Christchurch with seven of my best friends.
I cherish a typical Kiwi lifestyle, enjoying beach trips, exploring the cities, and taking advantage of the outdoors, especially snowboarding, and road-tripping with friends. I dream of world travel, as there is so much to explore and learn.
Irish dancing has been my passion since I started at age five. I am a six-time NZ National Champion and attended the Dublin World Irish Dancing Championships as the TIDA Scholarship Recipient.
My lifelong goal is to perform with a show and tour worldwide. I draw inspiration from my family and friends who cheer me on in everything I do! I am passionate about advocating for people’s rights and aim to make a positive mark on people’s lives.
Ohio
Hello! My name is Aoife Zuercher and I am the Ohio Rose. I am a 22-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio and a recent graduate of Ohio University with honors degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Next month, I will be starting a PhD in Materials Engineering at the University of Maryland. I work at NASA on next generation batteries for electric aircraft. Through this work and research at school, I am a published author in scientific journals.
I am passionate about advocating for women in science and a sustainable future through scientific discoveries. Growing up, I have been an active member in the Cleveland Irish community being a part of the Burke School of Irish Dance for 12 years.
I am currently on the Cleveland Gaelic football team and bartending at Gormley’s Irish Pub. My heritage stems from my mother, Deirdre, born and raised in Dublin, and my father John, who’s, family is from Derry.
Irish culture flows through my blood and emerges in my everyday life with a lively family and supportive Irish friends. I am proud to represent my beautiful state Ohio in the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Perth
Dia daoibh! Is mise Maria Collins agus is mise an ‘Perth Rose’. I’m 29 years old, I’m from Coppeen in County Cork and have been living in Australia for over a year now.
Having travelled a lot of Australia, Western Australia is by far my favourite state. I’ve met some incredible friends here in Perth and love the outdoorsy lifestyle and beautiful beaches.
I’m passionate about Gaeilge and teach Irish to a beautiful family here in Perth as well as run Irish language events around the city. I’m a primary school teacher and love my job. It’s very different to Ireland which has made my work very interesting and varied.
I have recently started learning AUSLAN and have worked in the School for Deaf children which has been challenging but immensely rewarding. I am very excited to be part of the Rose of Tralee.
I’ve watched the show every year since I was a little girl so it is a dream come true to be involved. This will be my first time back in Ireland since I left for Australia so I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get to know new people and enjoy all of the upcoming events.
Roscommon
My name is Rachel Hastings, I am 27 years old and come from Ballyforan. I obtained a BA/PME in Home Economics and Religious Education in St Angela’s College, Sligo.
Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in ‘Education for Sustainable and Responsible Living,’ driven by my deep passion for sustainability.
I enjoy working as a lecturer in ATU St Angelas as it allows the opportunity to positively impact my students’ lives, sharing my enthusiasm for teaching and knowledge.
I am actively involved in the Healthy Campus Committee and the Erasmus+ program, which enriches the college experience for both staff and students.
In my free time, I can be found extending a helping hand to others which can be seen through my vast volunteering experiences such as running an annual charity Easter camp.
I contribute to my local GAA Healthy Club initiative, and I have volunteered in Kenya, working with young people in a school setting.
My love for the outdoors and nature extends to my personal life, where I enjoy running, walking, cycling and farming on my family’s farm in Ballyforan.
San Francisco
My name is Maggie Baglin, and I am a 23-year-old, born and raised San Franciscan. I am very proud of my Irish heritage, San Francisco nativism, and Catholic faith, as they formed who I am today.
At ten years old, I traded in my soft shoes and picked up the highland bagpipes. I am a proud member of the Irish Pipers Band of San Francisco, who taught me to play. I feel a little old, as I am now the one teaching youth lessons and passing it onto the next generation.
This year, I became my parish’s Youth Minister and formed a group for young Catholic teenagers. We brought back Sandwiches for the Hungry, where I collect sandwich donations to take to a shelter that feeds those in need.
I work as a Registered Behavior Therapist, supporting special needs children with their language, communication, and basic living skills.
I am also a Program Manager, providing supervision to therapists and family adaptive behavior treatment guidance to parents. I am finishing up my last year of graduate school for my Masters in Special Education. I enjoy running, baking, playing music, and spending time with family and friends.
Sligo
Dia dhaoibh! My name is Megan McCormack, 25 years young, from Gurteen in beautiful County Sligo. I am honoured to represent my home county in the Rose of Tralee Festival 2024.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gaeilge & English at University of Limerick and completed a Masters in Primary Education with Hibernia College.
I am fortunate to work as a substitute Primary school teacher across various schools. I am a keen footballer and play Gaelic football with my club Eastern Harps, county Sligo LGFA and soccer with Gurteen Celtic.
I have taken my LGFA roots abroad to Chicago playing with Erin’s Rovers for a summer. Coaching is another passion of mine, both at Cúl Camps across the county and within my club Eastern Harps.
I enjoy running, music, horse-riding and trips to the Gaeltacht, which enhanced my love of Gaeilge. My family and community are inspirational to me on this journey and I’m grateful for their supportive encouragement.
Here’s to sharing this experience among other inspiring Roses and embracing all of what representing County Sligo has to offer!
Hello, my name is Ashling and I am a 29-year-old Speech and Language Pathologist living and working in Sydney. I work in the community providing support to adults and children on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
I originally hail from Westport in County Mayo and grew up helping on my family’s sheep farm with my identical twin sister and two brothers. I have a love for participating in a diverse range of sports and I play GAA with Young Irelands in Sydney.
I was peer selected as Athletics Track Captain for two consecutive years at Trinity College where I competed as a race walker and won several All-Ireland titles. I enjoy exploring new cultures, travelling, hiking and taking in the beauty of a Sydney sunrise followed by a coffee and a swim.
I am honoured to represent both the long-established and newer Irish emigrants in Sydney. I am excited to make new friends and connect with Irish communities worldwide at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Tipperary
Hi there! My name is Tara Brady, I’m 23 years old, and I come from the lakeside town of Ballina in County Tipperary.
Last year, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from the University of Limerick and am currently studying for my Masters degree in Public History and Cultural Heritage.
I have a special interest in Irish history and oral history, and it is my mission to collect and preserve the memories of our older generations before we lose them as a nation.
I have been an Irish dancer since I was a little girl, and I recently had the honour of competing in the Senior Ladies competition in the 2024 World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow.
I have had the privilege in the last two years of traveling to the United States and the Middle East performing with the all-girl traditional music band, Cailíní Lua.
I am passionate about celebrating Irish culture at home and abroad. I am so looking forward to sharing this once in a lifetime adventure with the other remarkable Roses.
It is my absolute honour to represent the Premier County at the Rose of Tralee International Festival this summer!
Waterford
Dia dhuit, Abby Walsh is ainm dom. I am 22 years old and thrilled to be representing the oldest city in Ireland – Waterford.
I am blessed to be working in my dream job, Múinteoir Bunscoile in a Gaelscoil (Primary School Teacher in an Irish speaking school). I have an enormous grá for the Irish language, music, and culture.
If I am not travelling the four corners of Ireland for dancing competitions, I enjoy catching up with friends, and visiting our local beaches and Greenway. I am a gifted talker, napper and grazer eater.
I am secretly amazing at building in Minecraft! I love to laugh, and think that a sense of humour is an essential trait as a Múinteoir.
I have been spreading my passions for the Irish language and dance for the past few years, encouraging everyone to try and say cúpla focal gach lá and inspiring Irish dancers to stay active and participate.
I am excited to make new life-long friendships, and meet inspirational brave women, with big dreams while on my Rose journey. My life value is; Victory does not always mean winning. Victory means rising after every fall.
Westmeath
My name is Grace O’Connor. I am 21 and I’m from Killucan, Co. Westmeath. I work as a support worker in an intellectual disability setting, I am recently qualified as a Shamanic Practitioner and I am currently studying to be a herbalist.
I love all things outdoors and nature, whether it be going for a long walk down the local canalways, stand up paddle boarding on the lakes, gardening or simply watching the sunrise.
I like to find beauty and magic in the little things and moments, because as they say, life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.
I am a true believer in what you put out there you will get back. I try not to take any moment for granted and am extremely grateful for all I have and have experienced.
Life is full of lessons and I believe it is all about perspective. I am so honoured to be representing Westmeath and can’t wait to meet the rest of the Roses to start our Rose of Tralee adventure together!
Wicklow
Heya, Kerry Byrne here! I’m a 21-year-old Sports Therapy student. I volunteer at The Beacon Hospital in the Physiotherapy Dept and work part time in Searsons bar, Dublin.
Those who know me, know I’m a massive sports nut, playing Football, Camogie, Golf and now Rugby with the Arklow women’s team.
Staying active is a big part of my life and living in The Garden County with mountains, forests and beaches all very close to my home, helps me keep active and it makes me very proud to represent my beautiful county, Wicklow.
Something many people don’t know about me is that I have Dyslexia, but despite this I was very proud to go to an Irish speaking primary school. I did have an exemption, but my parents just didn’t tell me!
I was very happy to continue on to complete Higher Level Irish throughout secondary school, as I didn’t want it to hold me back.
A big part of me joining the Rose of Tralee Family is to show girls everywhere that you can play sports, some of which are mainly played by men, and still put on a pretty dress and feel confident and comfortable with both.
Yorkshire
Hello, my name is Clídna Bailey-Doyle, I’m 25 years old, and I am honoured to be this year’s Yorkshire Rose.
I graduated from The University of Chester with a BA Honours in Event Management, following which I started my career working with professional athletes running their charity events and marketing campaigns.
I am now a Wedding Coordinator for a spectacular wedding venue in Cheshire. I am passionate about my career and I cherish the opportunity to be a part of their special day by giving them a very personal experience.
My parents were both born and raised in County Wexford and came to the United Kingdom in their 20’s for more opportunity. My family live in Wexford and I visit them every year.
My interests include being outdoors, running, gym, swimming, quality time with friends and family and travelling.
I am thoroughly looking forward to an unforgettable experience at the Rose of Tralee International Festival alongside remarkable women from around the world.
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