PHOTOS: Meet The Rose Of Tralee 2019 Contestants (Part 2)

You met 16 ladies earlier (click here if you missed it), now here’s the rest of the Rose of Tralee 2019 contestants…

LONDON ROSE – LAURA KENNEDY

Hailing from Glenville, in East Cork, I am honoured to be able to represent my adopted home as the London Rose.

As the eldest of six I aim to be a role model to my brothers and sisters and make my parents proud in everything I do. After graduating with first class honours in Business Information Systems at University College Cork, I wanted to pursue my dream of living in London and so I began working there as an IT Business Analyst and Project Manager.

I’m currently working at UBS, a global Investment Bank. For years I have been involved in performing arts and I love musical theatre.

Whilst at college, I toured around Ireland as part of the cast of ‘The All Star Wars’, a musical comedy about hurling. I love travelling to explore new places and cultures. After my Leaving Cert, I travelled to Kolkata in India to volunteer at a school for disadvantaged children.

It was an immensely eye-opening and rewarding experience. I’m hugely passionate about my volunteer roles with Make A Wish UK, both as a public speaker and as a Wish Visitor, and I was delighted to be nominated as one of their volunteer ambassadors for 2019. For me, my one true wish really has come true in becoming the London Rose!

LONGFORD ROSE – MARIE BRADY

I’m Marie Brady, I’m 20 years old and I proudly hail from County Longford. I live in the beautiful countryside on my family farm.

I’m an SNA in an ASD unit in a primary school, which I attended as a child, giving me the opportunity to revisit my roots and work alongside some of my old teachers.

After finishing school, I decided to take a year out and help my mam care for my granny whilst also working part time and studying. I am currently studying Montessori part time in the hope to specialise in special education in my final year to become a SEN teacher.  I’m a very proactive person and hate being idle!

The local community is something I’m very passionate about. I am the Irish officer for my local GAA club , I volunteer with the local special needs school and I help train the school’s girls’ gaelic team. Volunteering is something which I hope to delve further into, both locally and internationally. I also teach music and dance to children.

My life heavily revolves around music. Life as a Rose is bringing me so many amazing opportunities and I’m looking forward to the year that lies ahead as the Longford Rose.

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MAYO ROSE – NICOLE LOUGHLIN

Hello, my name is Nicole Loughlin. I’m 22 years old and I’m honoured to be representing my county this year as the Mayo Rose. I grew up in Shrule on the Mayo/Galway border and could not be any prouder to call it my home.

I have recently finished my final year of my four-year honours degree in Mathematics and Education which I studied at National University of Ireland, Galway. Over the past year I have been busy coordinating my fundraising campaign entitled ‘Let’s Make It Happen’.

The campaign marks a unique venture which involves uniting school communities, both locally and globally, to fund the building of a primary school in Malawi.

The idea originated from a summer visit to Malawi, where I witnessed first-hand the poverty crisis that envelops this country. Thankfully, I exceeded my goal and construction of the first school block is underway with plans in place to start a second in the near future.

As the third eldest of nine children, I am beyond blessed to have such a supportive family. Coming from a large family life is hectic, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We grew up watching The Rose of Tralee, and this year my family and I can’t wait to experience it first hand from inside the Dome!

MEATH ROSE – MEGHAN BYRNE

Hello, my name is Meghan Byrne, known to most as ‘Meg’. I am a primary school teacher living and working in the Royal County of Meath. My parents are both from Dublin but moved to Kells just three weeks after I was born.

I was only eight years of age when I made the decision to become a teacher. It’s all I have ever wanted to do. I studied for almost six years and completed my Masters in Primary Education in 2017.

I started my teaching career in my current school and I received permanency a year later. Outside of school I like strength training. I train with an amazing community of people known as ‘Complete Body Fitness.’ I live the sweaty life and I have made best friends along the journey. I also love to travel when possible.

If you challenge me to a Disney trivia, I’ll win as I love movies and anything Disney! I also love to bake to disguise my chocolate addiction! I have a love for meditation and yoga outdoors and love to incorporate this in my school life with the children.

I am very proud to be representing Meath this year in the festival, and am really looking forward to embracing the entire experience.

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MELBOURNE ROSE – JORDAN BALFRY

G’day! My name is Jordan and I was fortunate enough to be selected as this year’s Melbourne Rose. Originally a Limerick lady, I set off for Melbourne in January 2018.

The city has given me endless opportunities which I have seized with both hands. At 28 years of age, I currently work as a forensic mental health occupational therapist, based in a maximum security men’s prison.

My line of work has given me an ample supply of both professional and life lessons, and each day I am faced with new challenges and unexpected yet rewarding situations. Sport has always been a passion of mine, having earned a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do at 16.

At present the majority of my spare time is spent on the pitch playing ‘Aussie rules’ or pounding the pavements in training for the Melbourne marathon. I am also passionate about nutrition, and am currently studying a Master’s in Food, Nutrition and Health.

Travelling has been a major part of my life, having lived and volunteered in Ghana for 6 months, taught in Italian summer camps and most recently taken the trip down under. My parents raised a dreamer, and one constant throughout my adventures has been the support of my family, for which I am forever grateful.

NEW YORK ROSE – ELENA EVANGELOU

Hello! My name is Elena Evangelou and I was born and raised in Queens NY, just outside of the “City That Never Sleeps”. My mother was born and raised in Pallaskenry (Co. Limerick), and my father was born in the Republic of Cyprus.

I am 22 years old, and just graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Business Economics with a minor in Human Resources. During my time at SUNY Cortland, I was a sister of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority.

I was able to experience a sense of sisterhood that I never knew existed, and a bond of loyalty, strength, laughter, and love that will last a lifetime. I currently intern for the HR department of WES Inc, and I would love to eventually pursue a career specializing in this field.

I enjoy meeting new people and learning from others, so working in HR is really a great experience. In my spare time I love to travel, listen to music, get a good work-out session in, and spend time with my friends. I am a very compassionate, outgoing, and loyal individual. I am excited to be representing NY in the 2019 Rose of Tralee Festival, and I am excited for the amazing year ahead!

NEW ZEALAND ROSE – SINEAD ROSE STAYTON

Kia Ora! My name is Sinead, I am twenty-two years old, living in Aotearoa (New Zealand). I am privileged to be representing my country and Irish community as the 2019 New Zealand Rose of Tralee.

I work in the logistics/IT industry as a Production Design Quality Analyst (phew what a title, I know!) for New Zealand Post. It is interesting work because it’s fast moving, and I learn something new every day. My career aspiration though is to join the NZ Police Force.

I like the idea of giving back to my community and varied roles you can achieve in the force. My maternal grandparents are from Sixmilecross, County Tyrone. They emigrated to New Zealand in 1959. We have an extremely close relationship as I spent a lot of my upbringing at their home in Tāmakimakaurau (Auckland).

I am talkative, passionate and bubbly. I love to travel, meet new people and have a laugh! I am a member of our local Irish Society and I volunteer for ‘Everybody Eats’, a pop-up restaurant who turn rescued food into quality meals.

I look forward to coming to Tralee, making amazing memories and meeting like-minded, inspirational and motivated woman!

OHIO ROSE – DANIELLE GOEBEL

My name is Danielle Goebel, and I am 28 years old. I live in Cleveland, Ohio home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. My grandmother, Mary Alice Goebel (Fox), immigrated to the US from County Mayo.

One of my favorite memories was touring Ireland with about 40 of my family members. It was a blessing to be able to see my Grandma’s home town and pray together over her mother and brother’s grave stone.

My Grandma and my Aunt Rose encouraged me to apply for the Rose of Tralee. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and Friday movie nights with my son Landon. We also spend time visiting zoos, museums and traveling.

Landon is the reason behind everything I do. My main goal is to provide him with the best life possible. This goal has led me to become one of the top female sales representatives at a growing human resources and benefits company.

I hope my own life experiences can help other single parents and their children reach their full potential. As the youngest of six children, I am beyond blessed to have a supportive family. My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to never give up, molding me into the woman I am today.

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OTTAWA ROSE – KATHLEEN ZUK

Hello! My name is Kathleen Zuk and I am proud of my Irish roots, which hail from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, on my maternal side. I am 28 years old and originally from Montreal.

In 2015 I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Commerce; Finance Major and International Business Minor. I am currently pursuing my career at Export Development Canada in Finance Operations.

I feel privileged to work for a company with strong female leadership (our current CEO is from Northern Ireland!), who continues to support Canadian businesses, and female entrepreneurs. I love to travel and have been lucky enough to have visited 30 countries.

I have always been very involved in sport and took dance lessons for many years. Since being introduced to Gaelic Football in 2012, it has become a big part of my life. I started off playing with the Montreal Shamrocks, joined the Liverpool Wolfetones while living in England, and currently play on an almost entirely Canadian born team in Ottawa.

Every day, I am inspired by the strength of the women I play with as well as our coach, who are all leaders both on and off the pitch. I’m very much looking forward to being part of the festival and this incredible community of women!

SAN FRANCISCO ROSE – BROOKLYNN QUINN

I am 19 years old, living in beautiful Northern California. I was born and bred in Waterford, Ireland from birth to the age of 13.

I am currently double majoring in psychology and criminal justice, with the plans of specializing in abnormal psychology and mental illness in the justice system. I will finish my associates in the next few months, but have a lot more schooling to go to receive my doctorate!

I live on a ranch with my family, with hundreds of animals who I love to take care of. I love painting, hiking and writing poems in my spare time. I’m a registered  behavior technician, providing therapy for children with Autism, which is a great passion of mine.

Even though we are thousands of miles away (5,083 to be exact), we still cherish and celebrate our Irish culture, speaking Irish at home and daily chats with my typically massive Catholic Irish family at home in Ireland.

I am very looking forward to the festival and spending time with phenomenal Irish women from around the world!

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ROSE – SIMONE HENDRICK BUCHANAN

My name is Simone Hendrick Buchanan. I am a proud Irish woman, born in Cork city and raised in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

My mom is  from New Ross, Co. Wexford and my dad is South African. When I was eleven I emigrated to South Australia. I currently live in Adelaide with my mum, stepdad and sister.

All of my extended family remain in Ireland and I have family in every county from Wexford to the Kingdom of Kerry. I am studying to become a primary school teacher and I intend to specialise in music therapy and work with children with learning difficulties, as I know how positively music has impacted my life. I sing, play the piano and I help run the music ministry in our parish church.

I also love to dance, I have trained in jazz, ballet, character, contemporary and Irish dance. I believe there is great healing in the Arts and that we should all embrace our own creativity.

I grew up near Tralee, meeting the Roses and I am so excited to represent South Australia and be a strong role model for my sister and the next generation of young women.

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SOUTH CAROLINA ROSE – CAT MCWHIRTER

I am Cat McWhirter: a 25-year-old actress, personal trainer, and free spirit from the charming lake town of Tega Cay, SC. I’m driven by a burning desire to equip others to live their fullest possible lives.

It’s this passion which drove me towards careers in the performing arts and physical fitness: acting to inspire the heart and soul, and personal training to build bodies and minds. Stories can change lives and healthy bodies can live them to the fullest; it’s an honor to be a part of both.

Outside of my career, I enjoy reading, running, weightlifting, and volunteering! I love to travel, meet new people, and allow new life experiences to shift my paradigm and understanding of the world.

I am incredibly grateful to the South Carolina Rose Center, and for an unmatched community of family and friends who have built me into who I am today.

My Irish heritage stems from Leitrim and Donegal on my father’s side, and Derry and Down on my mother’s. I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to travel to Ireland as the South Carolina Rose and meet extraordinary women from around the world!

SYDNEY ROSE – REBECCA MAZZA

My name is Rebecca Mazza, I am a 24-year old Speech Pathologist living and working in the inner suburbs of Sydney.

Originally born and raised in Perth, WA, I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland after high school, volunteering as a Schools Assistant in Waterford. Here, my appreciation for Ireland’s beauty but mostly its people truly began!

I had the opportunity to meet many of my Irish relatives from Kanturk, County Cork. I was privileged to learn more about my ancestors and their stories have deepened my understanding of who I am and where I come from.

After my experience in Ireland, I returned to Australia inspired to continue working with young people. After a life changing family experience, I knew that Speech Pathology was the career for me.

Four years later, I graduated with a Masters degree in Speech Pathology and was offered a job in Sydney, working with both children and adults with speech and communication disorders. Since applying for the Rose of Tralee,  I have further developed in confidence, met countless strong women,  and have gained a new ‘Sydney Rose’ family who have made this experience unforgettable.

I am absolutely honoured to be representing the Sydney Irish community at the Rose of Tralee Festival this year.

WASHINGTON D.C. ROSE – MOLLY EASTMAN

Howdy!  My name is Molly Eastman and I am from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  In 2012, I spent a year traveling abroad before obtaining an honors degree in public health at the University of Georgia.

I currently live in Washington DC and work as a health policy staff member for a United States Senator. In my spare time, I enjoy running, weight lifting, cooking, exploring the city with friends, and skiing at home in Wyoming.

In a few years, I plan to pursue a nursing degree at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Although I grew up in the United States, I’m a dual citizen of Ireland.

My mother is from a small farm town in County Sligo, and I spent a good part of my childhood getting up to no good with cousins and eating as much of my granny’s treacle bread as I could. My grandparents always encouraged me to apply to the Rose of Tralee, so when I discovered the Washington DC Rose Centre, I didn’t think twice about applying.

I am so grateful to be representing my nation’s capital as the Washington DC Rose, and am eager to meet the 31 other exceptional young women come August!

WESTERN CANADA ROSE – SARAH O’SHEA

Hello! My name is Sarah O’Shea, and I am delighted to be representing Western Canada in the 2019 Rose of Tralee Festival.

I grew up in Cork, but took on a new life adventure by moving to Calgary, Alberta in 2015. I am currently working as a Structural Engineer-In-Training in Calgary, with an amazing company, who support and help to empower women in engineering.

I am a firm believer that you can do anything with a bit of hard work and dedication. I love the challenges and rewards of my job, and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.

As I have been in Canada for over four years now, I am super excited that I’ll be eligible to apply to become a Canadian citizen in August of this year.

I am lucky enough to call Alberta my home away from home. Living in such a beautiful part of the world, with the mountains on your doorstep, gives a wonderful opportunity to spend lots of time in the outdoors; mainly hiking and camping in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter months.

I am really excited for this adventure, and cannot wait to experience everything the Rose of Tralee has to offer.

WEXFORD ROSE – EMMA BYRNE

Hi! I’m Emma Byrne or just simply ‘Byrne’ as I’m better known as. I come from a  little place called Chapel, Clonroche in the heart of Wexford.

I live with my family in a place my friends refer to as the middle of nowhere and I’d personally have to agree with them. I’m a woman who has never been tied down to one community. I went to primary school in Courtnacuddy and then journeyed to Wexford town where I attended Loreto Secondary School.

A place where lifelong friends were made alongside many memories and moments which won’t be easily forgotten. I am now in DCU St. Patrick’s Campus studying to be a primary school teacher. I  recently completed my first year and aspire to become a principal in the future, and maybe even open up my own little business on the side who knows.

I am an outgoing girl who has enjoyed horse riding, Irish dancing, skiing and music right throughout my life. I cannot wait for this whirlwind of an experience and I hope to make all my family, friends and, most importantly, my fellow yellow bellies proud.