PHOTOS: Meet The Rose Of Tralee 2015 Contestants (Part 1)

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IT’S August and that means the Rose of Tralee International Festival is nearly upon us. With that in mind we feel it’s time you met the Roses who’ll be hoping to success Maria Walsh. Here the first 16 and we’ll have the other 16 tomorrow…

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Abu Dhabi Rose - Deirdre Ward 1

Abu Dhabi Rose – Deirdre Ward.

ABU DHABI ROSE – DEIRDRE WARD

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 love to keep fit and be active. I played basketball all through my school and college years and I havetwo All-Ireland Gold Medals. I have also travelled to New York playing the sport.

I enjoy running and I have completed the Mini Marathon, The Galway Bay Half Marathon, and The Beach Bog Run, Hell & Back. I have recently started Gaelic football as it is a great way to meet expats when living abroad.

Last August I organised an obstacle course fun run on Fintra Beach, Killibegs and raised €10,520 in aid of The Donegal Hospice. I played the fiddle for years growing up and most recently started to play the guitar.

I love to sing and hear new songs. Once I return from teaching in Abu Dhabi I want tofurther my education by studying Play Therapy. Life is good at the moment and being crowned ‘Abu Dhabi Rose’ is the icing on the cake!

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Boston & New England Rose - Sarah Hogan

Boston & New England Rose – Sarah Hogan

BOSTON & NEW ENGLAND ROSE – SARAH HOGAN

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 also had the privilege of studying Irish Theater at The Gaiety School of Acting this past summer.

My greatest passions are acting and film and I have been fortunate enough to have been in numerous commercials, stage productions, as well as having had minor roles in popular television shows.

One show allowed me eligibility for SAG (Screen Actors Guild). I have done modelling, primarily print for makeup companies such as NARS and MAC, fashion houses and Glamour Magazine.

I am an advocate for anti-bullying and arts therapy and a lot of my creative work is a reflection of that. 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.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given this opportunity and am excited to be going back to Ireland!

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Chicago Rose - Maeve McSweeney

Chicago Rose – Maeve McSweeney

CHICAGO ROSE – MAEVE MCSWEENEY

Hi! Is mise Maeve McSweeney from Chicago, Illinois, President Barack Obama’s hometown.

I am 21 years old and currently on the pre-med track at Marquette University to become a Medical Doctor specializing in Paediatrics. I have one brother, Rory, 23. My mother, Julia, is from Ardee, Co. Louth.My dad, Tim, was born and raised in Chicago.

I am a singer and music arranger in an all-female a cappella group at Marquette University called The Meladies. Our performances have raised funds and awareness for several charitable organizations.

On Monday nights I am the Cantor in our 600 year old Historic Joan of Arc Chapel during our candlelight Mass. My spirituality is very important to me. I have volunteered at The Children’s Hospital Of Milwaukee for the past three years in their HOT Unit (haematology, oncology and transplant). One of my most notable achievements was competing and winning the title of South Side Irish Parade Queen in 2014.

It was a great honor for me to become a representative of our vibrant Irish community here in Chicago. Through the Irish Diaspora I have learned this: our Irish embrace is global. We are united in our love of all things Irish. I’m proud to be counted in your numbers. Slán.

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Cork Rose - Aoife Murphy

Cork Rose – Aoife Murphy

CORK ROSE – AOIFE MURPHY

Hi, my name is Aoife Murphy and I am delighted to be the 2015 ‘Rebel’ Rose! I am 25 years old and the eldest of four sisters from Mallow, Co. Cork. As a Research Nutritionist, currently completing a PhD in University College Dublin, I am passionate about food and health (sometimes food more so than health!) and an active member of the Irish Nutrition Society.

I have been very fortunate to have travelled the world with my research which has sparked a new-found love for travelling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines.

Being a self-confessed science geek, I enjoy communicating science to audiences of all ages in a fun and entertaining way. I have won numerous awards both nationally and internationally for my research and communication skills.

I am also extremely proud to be a student mentor for the Higher Education Access Route programme in UCD. This program enables students from disadvantaged areas to experience and succeed at 3rd level education.

My friends and family describe me as outgoing, adventurous and always looking for new experiences. I’m sure that representing Cork in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival is sure to be oneunforgettable adventure!

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Darwin Rose - Caitriona Brennan

Darwin Rose – Caitriona Brennan

DARWIN ROSE – CAITRÍONA BRENNAN

My name is Caitríona Brennan and I am the 2015 Darwin Rose. I am 27 years old and have been living in Australia for the past three years.

I grew up playing Gaelic football and camogie in Ratoath, Co. Meath and have been continuing my passion for sport and meeting new people by immersing myself into rugby, AFL and Gaelic football in Darwin.

I am very passionate about my work. I am currently Acting Operations Manager over a Child Protection and Disability service in Darwin.

My work ambition is to continue to advocate for disadvantaged children and youth, developing early intervention based programs to reduce the number of youths entering child protection and reduce the risk of homelessness.

I love to challenge myself both on and off the field. One of my greatest achievements so far has been the 12 months I spent volunteering in a primary school, orphanage and rehabilitation centre in Uganda. I was honoured and humbled to meet Irish president Mary McAleese and be awarded a Gold Gaisce Award for my community involvement.

I am incredibly proud to be representing Darwin at this year’s International Festival and am enjoying embracing the entire journey! Slán go fóill.

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Derry Rose - Eimear Anderson

Derry Rose – Eimear Anderson

DERRY ROSE – EIMÉAR ANDERSON

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
3 of becoming a full-time Disney Princess doesn’t work out! I was born and raised in the rural and very beautiful village of Glenullin in the back end of beyond in North Derry and am a proud woman of all things country.

I come from a large family circle, to the extent where Granny’s living room on a Sunday afternoon is bursting at the seams. However, at home it is just my lovely mammy and daddy, my brother, Conor and myself!

Oh, and not forgetting the third and undoubtedly preferred child – our dog, Pippin. I am honoured beyond belief to be representing our exceptional Oakleaf County, steeped in history and rich with culture, music, dance and the absolute craic.

As a Rose, I can only hope to do my family, friends and all back home in Derry proud. It’s definitely true what they say – níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán fėin!

Dubai Rose - Marie Ryan

Dubai Rose – Marie Ryan

DUBAI ROSE – MARIE RYAN

Salamon Alaykom! My name is Marie Ryan and I am 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 am the youngest of five children and was reared by two loving and devoted parents. I took a career break from my teaching job in Co. Limerick and now I teach Mathematics in Raffles International School, Dubai.

Dubai has given me the opportunity to work abroad in a safe and diverse community. It has opened my eyes to many different cultures which I have embraced and gives me the chance to enjoy the Arabian lifestyle.

Dubai is famously known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East and it really lives up to its name. The Emirate also gives me the chance to enjoy two great loves in my life, shopping and sunshine.

I even continue to play my national sport of camogie with the Dubai Celts across the Gulf! My family is the most important thing in my life which is the one negative aspect about living so far from home. Entering the Rose of Tralee competition is in memory of my sister Louise who passed away tragically by suicide.

This year is Louise’s 10th Anniversary and I am proud to be marking it in a very special and positive way for my family.

Dublin Rose - Aisling Finnegan

Dublin Rose – Aisling Finnegan

DUBLIN ROSE – AISLING FINNEGAN

Dia dhibh a chairde. My name is Aisling Finnegan, and I am only delighted to have been chosen as an ambassador for our fair city.

I hail from Rathcoole Co. Dublin, where I was born and raised. I’ve often been asked, “Is Rathcoole not in Kildare?”, but I’m always quick to correct people and let them know I am a proud Dub!

I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a first class honours degree in Physiotherapy. I loved my time there but I realised I am a real home bird!

Dublin definitely has myheart. I am currently working as a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor in First Physio Plus in Clondalkin.

I work as a sports physiotherapist on weekends for Naas Rugby Club and I just finished a season with Peamount ladies team. Both teams are in the All-Ireland League…..so no pressure.

I really have a passion for yoga, surfing, travel and would love to pursue it further. A trip to India might even be on the horizon. Sure why not combine all three! I wish all of the girls best of luck and I hope you all enjoy the Rose experience. See you all in the Dome!!

Galway Rose - Olga Lee

Galway Rose – Olga Lee

GALWAY ROSE – OLGA LEE

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 PsychologyResearcher, where I manage a study aiming to reduce social isolation.

I also have a keen interest in entrepreneurship and will combine these career interests by returning to complete a master’s in Business Psychology this September. Those who know me best say that I am always on the go!

I’m 4 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.

I am also an active volunteer with Special Olympics and formed part of a core committee co-ordinating community engagement for their 2015 national collection day.

In addition, I love fashion, food, writing and I’m a member of a book club! Some of my proudest achievements include my extensive travel, my overseas development work and my publications in The Irish Times.

I am extremely proud to be representing Galway in this year’s Rose of Tralee festival and I look forward toembracing the entire experience!

Germany Rose- Róisín Ní Mhathúna

Germany Rose- Róisín Ní Mhathúna

GERMANY ROSE – RÓISÍN NÍ MHATHÚNA

Guten Tag! My name is Róisín Ní Mhathúna, I am 22 years old, was born in Birmingham, England, but raised in Rush, Dublin.

Since January 2014, I am lucky to call the amazing and diverse city of Berlin my home and even luckier to be the Germany Rose. 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.

In Germany I have made friends from all over the world and we have shared our cultures. My Latino friends have intrigued me so much that I am now planning an extended trip to South America which will include working in an orphanage in Columbia with IVHQ charity organisation.

Finally, my obsession with sport! I have grown up playing Gaelic and Camogie with St.Maurs GAA and I am a member of Setanta Berlin. My father and I are obsessed with supporting Aston Villa.

We have seen over 200 professional football matches and travel around Europe to watch games. I am honoured to have been selected as the Germany Rose, as since moving to Berlin I have had the time of my life.

Kentucky Rose - Emily Hughes

Kentucky Rose – Emily Hughes

KENTUCKY ROSE – EMILY HUGHES

Hello! My name is Emily Hughes, I’m 22 years old and I am 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. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in History and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. A

fter graduation I accepted an opportunity to pursue one of my passions in life, fitness, and became a barre and aerial fitness instructor. I would not trade this job for the world because I wake up excited about going to work.

It is very touching when my clients tell me that I have made a positive impact intheir lives and health. I am motivated by helping others which led me to run a half marathon to benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

I was pushed to complete the race knowing I was making a difference in a sick child’s life. I am a big believer that if you are capable of helping someone in need than you should take advantage of that. I am extremely excited to represent Kentucky and the Emerald Isle come August!

Kerry Rose - Julet Culloty

Kerry Rose – Jullet Culloty

KERRY ROSE – JULETT CULLOTY

My name is Julett and I am 25 years old. I hail from the beautiful Kilcummin, Killarney. I come from abig family, eight children, and I fall in line as the second youngest so chaotic environments I only know too well.

I work as a social care worker having graduated from IT Tralee in 2011 with a degree in Social Studies. I have worked in a number of different projects across Munster working with disadvantaged children and children in care.

I have recently started working with Rehab Care Group, working with adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health difficulties so this is a really
5 exciting time for me.

This work has always been my dream and so I’m delighted and honoured with my new post. In my spare time I enjoy Gaelic football and soccer, I am a huge Kerry supporter and unfortunately a huge Liverpool fan.

My ambition is to raise awareness of cancer, after I was diagnosed with the illness last year. For the past number of months I have become involved in delivering talks to the public and to people whose lives have been affected by cancer in a bid to givethem a sense of hope and positivity.

London Rose - Aisling Hillary

London Rose – Aisling Hillary

LONDON ROSE – AISLING HILLARY

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.

I completed my Junior Cert and Leaving Cert in Galway and completed my Medical Degree at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, graduating as a Doctor at the age of 22.

Since graduating I have worked in England, Ireland and Australia and am now specialising in Emergency Medicine. Some of my unforgettable experiences include spending seven weeks in Zambia volunteering in the Lusaka Teaching Hospital, and in the UK volunteering at Over The Wall Children’s Camp – a camp for children with serious, life limiting illnesses.

I enjoy sport and exercise, I was on the Brighton & Sussex Medical School Netball Team for five years. I ran the Reading Half Marathon for UNICEF and cycled the London to Brighton Bike Ride for the British Heart Foundation twice.

I have worked for a telephone fundraising company to raise money for NSPCC, Childline and RSPCA charities. I love music! I can play the violin and keyboard and love to sing. During Uni I formed an Irish band called the Celtic Ti-grrs.

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Longford Rose – Daphne Howard

LONGFORD ROSE – DAPHNE HOWARD

My name is Daphne Howard and I am this year’s Longford Rose. I am a proud native of Newtownforbes, Co. Longford.

I am 25 years old and a primary school teacher in a two-teacher school in Longford, having graduated from Trinity College in 2010. I love all things musical, including playing the piano and taking part in musical productions with St. Mel’s Musical Society.

I play football with my local ladies Gaelic football club, Clonguish CLG, although I am usually found warming the bench. Moving from Dublin to Longford in 2014, keen to make connections with other local teachers, I organised a social group, “T for Teachers” – which is precisely that.

I am a life-long member of Longford Mental Health Association, which promotes positive mental health and supports those recovering from mental illness, and their families and carers.

I love to travel, but as luck would have it, whilst I was travelling to Lebanon, a chance encounter with a group of Roses travelling to Chernobyl led me to apply to become Longford Rose.

I am incredibly humbled to be representing my beloved county of Longford on an international stage and I am embracing all the wonderful experiences that I have encountered on my Rose journey.

Louth Rose - Jenny hanlon

Louth Rose – Jenny Hanlon

LOUTH ROSE – JENNY HANLON

Hi everyone! My name is Jenny Hanlon, I’m 19 years old and I live in a small quaint place called Cooley in Ireland’s smallest county, Louth! There is a lot of great things about Louth including my local village Carlingford, which is an extremely popular tourist destination.

With the views of the Mourne Mountains, Queen Maeve’s gap and the famous King John’s castle, it really is a brilliant place to live. I am absolutely delighted to be representing my county and hope to do everyone proud.

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. Music is my passion and can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

I decided to do a one year business course so that I would understand all aspects of the music industry. I also really enjoy dancing and help out at my sister’s dance school at the weekend.

My favourite type of dance is Irish dancing as I started at the age of six and just fell in love with it. I never thought in a million years I would get to be the Louth rose at the age of nineteen and I am absolutely delighted to have this amazing opportunity.

Meath Rose - Elysha Brennan

Meath Rose – Elysha Brennan

MEATH ROSE – ELYSHA BRENNAN

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.

I am a second year medical student in the Royal College of Surgeons Dublin. I adore what I am studying although during exam season I always consider alternative career options , such as joining the circus.

I have a keen interest in working with children and am involved with the RCSI Paediatric Society. I have also volunteered for the Irish Cancer Society, and plan to partake in a volunteer mission with a local parish in Lourdes.

I have been involved with musical theatre from an early age, and have a passion for all things song and dance. I have been lucky enough to have taken part in the Olympia Theatre Dublin Christmas pantomimes and a Michael Jackson tribute show.

I made a bucket list two years ago and am slowly ticking things off, including visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York, Greek island hopping and nowbecoming the Meath Rose.

See the other 16 Roses tomorrow…

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