Meet The 2022 Rose Of Tralee Contestants (Part 2)

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TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose Of Tralee International Festival is brought to you by AIB Tralee

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There’s less than a week to go until the Rose of Tralee International Festival take place. Time for the rest of the Rose contestants to introduce themselves…

New York Rose Cathrena Collins.

Hi! My name is Cathrena Collins and I grew up in Westchester, New York just outside of New York City! My mom grew up in Killarney, Co. Kerry and my dad is Irish-American from Queens, NY.

I am 24 years old and currently entering my last year of law school at St. John’s University School of Law. I previously graduated with honours from Binghamton University with a Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Law.

In college, I volunteered with an organization that helps victims of sexual assault. The experience was both difficult and rewarding and taught me the immense impact the law can have on individuals.

Also, during college I studied abroad in Barcelona for four months! I love to travel, read, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.

I am so honoured to be representing New York in the 2022 Rose Festival, in part because my grandmother was the 1965 New York Rose and I cannot wait for the year ahead!

Ohio Rose, Sarah McInerney.

My name is Sarah Mc Inerney, and I am a 30-year-old Clare woman proud to represent my adopted home state of Ohio. Born and raised in Newmarket on Fergus, I pursued Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees in Zoology and Education at NUIG.

Since then, I’ve travelled throughout Europe, Africa, and Central America, and I’ve worn many hats along the way, including secondary math and science teacher, conservation scientist and educator, falconer, and so on.

This passion for conservation, travel, science, and sustainability led me to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2017 to complete my PhD in Integrated Bioscience with a focus on Biomimicry, an interdisciplinary practise that mimics natural strategies to create more sustainable solutions.

Since completing my doctorate, I’ve worked as the programme manager for an accelerator programme that helps the world’s most promising nature-inspired entrepreneurs addressing humanity’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.

Outside of work I am very active, playing Gaelic football and camogie with Cleveland GAA, I enjoy yoga, horse-riding, paddleboarding, off-roading, camping, and exploring the beautiful Ohio Metroparks. Yet overall, my favourite thing to do is, have a cup of tea and chat with the family at home.

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Perth Rose, Olivia Duffy

G’day! Dia dhaoibh! My name’s Olivia Duffy and I originate from the green fields of Co. Meath. I have been living in beautiful sunny Perth for the past three years. It’s been my home from home!

I adore the fantastic coastline and culture around us and when I’m not taking a dip in the Indian Ocean or playing GAA for Morley ladies, you’ll find me working hard at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as a radiation therapist.

I have just finished my training on the only public Cyberknife facility in Australia which offers highly advanced technique treatment cancer care to those near and far.

I am eternally grateful to have a career in oncology and aspire to continue progressing in the field. I am a volunteer with St, John’s Ambulance I am absolutely honoured to be taking part in this journey and representing a very special place.

The Rose of Tralee holds a special place in my family’s hearts. I’m looking forward to kindling new friendships, memories and to simply enjoying the magic of the Festival.

Philadelphia Rose, Tara Ryan.

Hello Tralee! My name is Tara Ryan and I am a 24-year-old Philadelphia native. I first joined the Rose community as a Rose Bud in 2007 and I am so excited to be back in Ireland and have the chance to represent Philadelphia in this year’s Festival.

I recently graduated with my Masters in Public Relations & Sports Media from Syracuse University and am currently doing Sports Marketing for two large International companies.

As a lifelong athlete and a woman in the sports industry, I have a passion for fighting for young girls to not only be included in sports but for those girls to know that they belong in sport.

My dad is from Portarlington, Laois where his nine siblings and dozens of my cousins/BFFs still reside. My mom’s family is from Ballina, Mayo where I got to visit my family just this fall.

Throughout history, my family has taken great pride in representing Ireland. From my Great- Grandfather in the 1916 Easter Rising to my brother, Shane, on the Irish National Team at the Olympics, I hope to continue the tradition & represent the Irish of Philadelphia with that same pride!

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Queensland Rose, Eimear Naughton.

I am Eimear Naughton, I’m 29 years old and I live in Brisbane. Originally from Roscommon I moved to Brisbane in 2015 to give the Aussie life a go, and it worked out because I absolutely love living in Queensland.

I am an English and History teacher at St. Paul’s School, Bald Hills, which is a great school with amazing students and wonderful staff. Fitness is one of my passions.

I split my time between the gym and Olympic weightlifting with the Honeybadgers Weightlifting Club. I love to see the empowerment women get from being involved in traditionally masculine sports. Languages and different cultures fascinate me.

I speak French and am currently learning Spanish. My fiancée Jose is from Colombia, and we live together with our two cats, Binx and Chimmy. I am honoured to be the 2022 Queensland Rose and I’m looking forward meeting all the other fabulous Roses and experiencing the Festival.

Roscommon Rose, Bernie Ryan.

Hi, my name is Bernie Ryan and I am delighted to be representing my home county as this year’s Roscommon Rose. I am a native of Roscommon Town, but currently work as a Nurse Manager in Critical Care – HDU in the Mater hospital, Dublin.

During the pandemic, I worked in the Mater’s ICU and completed both my Graduate Diploma and Masters in Critical Care. Last year, I had the privilege of working alongside the Organ Donation Transplant Ireland team.

I am very passionate about this organisation and love to promote awareness around organ donation and end of life care. I enjoy Gaelic football and have represented my county at the underage level with Roscommon Gaels.

Running is another of my hobbies, and I have completed three of the six World Major Marathons. I’ve had the opportunity to fundraise for various charities across Ireland through running events, and I intend to continue doing so in future events. I enjoy travelling and have visited five continents.

On my travels I have had the opportunity to volunteer with DCU Global Brigades in Ghana (2013) providing medical care to rural Ghanaian communities and as a nurse with the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (2016). My family means everything to me, and we are all excited to travel to Tralee.

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Sligo Rose, Eimear Mulvey.

I am Eiméar Mulvey and I am 25 years old. I hail from the beautiful village of Geevagh, County Sligo. I am both honoured and delighted to be representing The Land of Heart’s Desire, County Sligo.

In 2019, I graduated with a Degree in Music and English from Maynooth University. It was always my dream to work for myself and be an entrepreneur. Thankfully, I have been fortunate enough to make this dream a reality.

I am currently working as a full time dance teacher owning my business ‘Bróga Bríomhar Dance School’ where I strive to create a fun, relaxing and safe environment for children and adults to express themselves through dance.

I have a huge passion for traditional Irish culture, heritage, music and dance in particular Sean Nós Dancing, the oldest form of Irish Dance in Ireland. I work with children and adults across Ireland boosting confidence, a positive mindset, enhancing performance skills and fitness.

We cater from tots right up to adults. My ambition is to continue traveling and teach Sean Nós Dancing worldwide. I work closely with many charities annually and most recently, Team Hope and Ukrainian Aid Response.

My companies events troupe perform at many charity events. I am a fitness enthusiast and regularly work out in the gym. My parents are both from County Sligo and I am blessed with great family support in reaching for the stars.

Sydney Rose, Mairead Brennan.

My name is Mairéad Brennan, but I am more commonly known as Maud. I am 27 years old, and I grew up in Glantane, Co. Cork.

After qualifying as a nurse at IT Tralee I worked in Ireland for two years before making the move to Oz in January 2020, where I have spent most of my time working in the Hotel Quarantine system as part of Australia’s Covid-19 response.

Recently I have been working as a home care nurse for palliative patients which I absolutely love, and I hope to do further study in Palliative Care.

I have volunteered with the Belarussian Orphanage Project and most recently completed a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society. I play piano and guitar and have a huge love for musical theatre.

I love to travel and most recently visited Fiji after the international borders reopened. Since applying for the Rose of Tralee, I have gained an entire “Sydney Rose” family who have made my experience so far amazing.

I am delighted and truly honoured to be representing the Sydney Irish community this year and I am so excited for the year ahead.

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Texas Rose, Arden Stringer.

Hi y’all! My name is Arden Stringer. I am 29 years old and was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. After receiving my MA in Writing in Boston, I went on to attend Ballymaloe Cookery School in 2017 and I’ve been working in the food industry, honing my skills at fine restaurants and bakeries since.

I found Food Styling three years ago and have loved the fast-paced, creative nature of it. Since becoming the Texas Rose, my parents have sold our childhood home in Dallas and taken up residence in Galway.

It’s been a long-time family dream to reverse what our ancestors did and come back across the pond. Recently, I’ve gone back to writing, combining it with my culinary expertise, and my ambition is to one day take that work over to Ireland and join my folks.

Or perhaps open a wedding cake business, who knows! I pride myself on my connection with my family, my work ethic, my warm personality, and my desire to forever be a student of life. I’m delighted to take part in this year’s events and look forward to every minute of it!

Tipperary Rose, Aisling O’Donovan.

My name is Aisling O’Donovan, and I am honoured and delighted to be representing the Premier County as the Tipperary Rose. I am 27 years old, and I live just outside the beautiful walled town of Fethard in South Tipperary.

I possess a Bachelor of Education degree from Mary Immaculate College and was thrilled last year when I was appointed as an Assistant Principal in my school.

I am passionate about wellbeing in education and am delighted that my Masters in Applied Positive and Coaching Psychology has enabled me to further support both students and school staff. I am fervent about volunteer work and enjoy supporting local and national charities.

I lead an active lifestyle and during the pandemic I began running. I was delighted to complete my first half-marathon in aid of Barnardos this year. I grew up playing football and basketball and was lucky to be on All-Ireland winning teams for both.

I have danced all my life and was privileged to be part of Mary I’s first ever dance troupe for which I won an AIMS award. In recent years I explored the musical theatre scene and thoroughly enjoyed being part of Naas Musical society whilst living in Dublin.

My family have always been my biggest cheerleaders and I am thrilled to have them supporting me as I take part in the 2022 Rose of Tralee Festival.

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Toronto Rose, Maysen Tinkler.

Hello! My name is Maysen Tinkler, I am 20 years old, and I am so excited to be this year’s Toronto Rose! I am currently a student at the University of Guelph, studying Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy.

I am very passionate about psychology and hope to continue my education to one day earn my Ph.D. A hobby of mine is that I love to thrift! I think buying second-hand clothes is not only a great way to be a little more sustainable but is also a way to find some pretty, unique things.

I have even bought some of my Rose dresses second-hand! I am very mindful to promote good mental health. This summer, I had the privilege of helping in a local fundraiser to raise money for Ukrainian families to get them set up with bank accounts in Canada.

I am beyond honoured to be a part of the Festival, and as someone on the Autism Spectrum, I hope to challenge stereotypes and bring confidence to other women that despite challenges, it is possible to be a Rose!

Waterford Rose, Helen Geary.

My name is Helen Geary and I am delighted and honoured to be this year’s Waterford Rose. I am an audit associate at KPMG Cork, in the final year of my contract to become a chartered accountant.

I am sitting my third and final set of accountancy exams this summer, the FAE’s – in the middle of the Rose tour! It will be a very busy summer, but I think they will offer a good balance to each other.

I studied Commerce in UCC and was lucky enough to spend a semester abroad in Babson College, Boston. This offered me a really good insight into the unique talents that Irish people bring to the business world and the capabilities of Irish businesses on the global stage.

During lockdown, I took up a keen interest in running and hiking. It was lovely to explore hikes around Ireland, with Mangerton and Coumshingaun being the highlights.

Recently, I went on a hiking holiday to Madeira which was an amazing experience and a far cry from the lockdown walks around home. I hail from a small village called Ballyduff Upper, just on the border between Waterford and Cork.

Along with my dad, I am a Waterford hurling supporter even if that outnumbers my mam who is a proud Cork woman! I am so appreciative of the support that my community have given me during my Rose journey which has made it all the more special.

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Westmeath Rose, Rachel Duffy.

My name is Rachel Duffy, and I am 23 years old. I am from the small village of Rosemount located in the heart of the country in Co. Westmeath.

Last year I graduated from NUI Galway with a BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies and Spanish. I was very fortunate during my time in university that I got to study abroad at UNC Chapel Hill and the Universidad de Oviedo, USA.

I currently work in P. Egan’s Traditional Irish Bar in Moate and I am returning to university to complete my Masters degree to be a Spanish and English teacher.

I love my job at the minute because I meet so many new people every day, but I look forward to becoming a teacher and sharing my passion for languages and the arts with young people. I am a proud member of Cill Óige Ladies, a new LGFA club founded in my parish in 2021.

I am a huge advocate for girls playing sports and I dedicate a lot of my time as a player and committee member. When I am not working or playing football, you will find me at a trad session singing a few tunes. My motto in life is ‘Don’t give up’.

Wexford Rose, Joy Quigley.

Hello! My name is Joy Quigley, commonly known as Joy by name, Joy by nature! I am 26 years old, and I am from Ferns, Co. Wexford. It is an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Yellow Bellies as this year’s Wexford Rose.

I am a qualified Sports Scientist, Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor; while I am currently finalising my Masters Degree in Sports Science, specialising in the Science of Female GAA at TUD. I think it’s fair to say I have a passion for all things sports, health and fitness, so a career in Personal Training and Online Coaching was a natural progression for me. I am the very proud co-owner of The Fitness HQ Online Coaching business.

“Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life” very much applies to my career and I feel so lucky and grateful to do what I do! I absolutely adore learning about all thing’s mindset and mindfulness, trying my best to nurture my own through daily meditation and sea swims at sunrise or sundown.

I feel very privileged to say I’ve achieved some incredible life experiences through fundraising, college, body building, festivals, spontaneous adventures and travelling.

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Wicklow Rose, Róisín Long.

My name is Róisín Long. I am 25 years old and hail from the sunny Southeast of Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

I am honoured to represent the Garden County at the Rose of Tralee this year. I have recently graduated from Maynooth University where I studied Psychology and Irish.

Rather than analysing the brain, I realised my passion lies in analysing all things fashion most recently becoming junior buyer and merchandiser for a fashion company in Dublin.

In my spare time, I enjoy step aerobics, sea swimming, arts and crafts as well as enjoying time with my friends and family. I love to travel, most recently I went to Dubai, and I can’t wait to tick off many more places around the globe.

I love being apart of and giving back to communities by fundraising for local charities and groups. I am the youngest in my family and a Rose among four thorns (sorry brothers!); I am the only girl. I am very excited to have my family in Tralee this year and I look forward to the many exciting experiences to come as the Wicklow Rose.

Yorkshire Rose, Charlotte Sellers.

Hello, my name is Charlotte and I have recently turned 24. I am from Leeds, West Yorkshire and have grown up in a small town called Horsforth for most of my life.

In my childhood I attended a local dance school, ‘Joyce O’Donnell’ and competed at a championship Level. At 18 I left Leeds and moved to York to study Social Work at the ‘University of York’.

Towards the end of my Degree, I won a local election and was elected as a Horsforth Town Councillor in May 2020. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in March 2020 I began my first role as a qualified social worker in a Child Protection Area team.

My role is very diverse, but I particularly enjoy working restoratively with children and families. I hope to really build on this and seek out new opportunities within my roles over the coming years.

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