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Earlier you met 16 of the Rose of Tralee 2023 contestants (click here if you missed it), here’s the rest of the ladies vying for the title…
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Meath Rose — Lane Galvin
My name is Lane Galvin. I’m 26 and work as a Midwife in the Midwifery Led Unit in Drogheda Hospital. It is a privilege to support people and their families during a very vulnerable time. I am passionate about my job and have specialised in advanced examination of the newborn, maternal mental health and holistic therapies.
I was honored to be awarded midwife of the year this year. I received a scholarship to do my Masters in Research looking at Trauma Informed Care which has allowed me to further my career, aspirations and share my passion with others including the student midwives in Dundalk Institute of Technology, whom I had the pleasure of lecturing this year.
I love traveling, dancing, drama, debating and cold river swims. I represented DKIT at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, National Debate. I started an Instagram page called ‘TheBuildingBride’ where I documented the process of building our home to help others on their exciting journey.
Representing Meath has been an honour, especially working with charities such as the Meath Women’s Refuge and Irish Wheelchair Association. I’m looking forward to heading to Tralee with a wonderful bunch of Roses.
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Melbourne Rose — Katie Casey
My name is Katie Casey. I am 28 years old and I was born and raised on a dairy farm overlooking the mouth of the River Shannon in Causeway, Co. Kerry.
I’m the youngest of four older brothers, Dad is a Kerry man and Mom is from Garryvoe in East Cork. After graduating from the University of Limerick with a BSc in Nursing (Intellectual Disability), I emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 for a year before settling in Melbourne which I now call my home away from home.
I currently work as a Registered Nurse in the community supporting clients with complex disabilities and mental health. I am very passionate about my job and my motto in life is “everything happens for a reason.”
I keep connected to my Irish community by playing camogie with Sinn Féin GAC Club and I’m a member of Melbourne Comhaltas, where I set dance weekly.
I love a challenge and recently completed the Gold Coast Full Marathon where I helped raise funds for Down Syndrome Kerry, a charity very close to my heart. From a young girl, I’ve grown up attending the annual Festival. I feel very honoured and delighted to be representing the Melbourne Irish community.
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New York Rose — Róisín Wiley
Hello there! My name is Róisín Wiley, and I am honored to represent New York in the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
I am 27 years old and live in Manhattan. I am a VP of National Sales at a consumer marketing company, managing a territory of OTC and Pharmaceutical accounts. I specifically partner with them to plan and execute strategic digital & in-store campaigns. My parents, Eddie & Majella, were born and raised in Co. Limerick.
My mom is from Templeglantine, and my dad is from Kilmallock. They emigrated to NYC in their 20s and built an amazing life for my younger brother John & I in Westchester, NY. We have been blessed to travel to Ireland every year, and now a bit more often to cheer on the Limerick Hurlers! I enjoy walks (especially in the rain), dog watching, traveling, and exercising.
I am passionate about taking advantage of every opportunity and hope to motivate others to be the best version of themselves. I’m thrilled beyond belief to participate in the Festival, and very excited to meet all these other fabulous women. I will be forever thankful to my family and friends for their unending support!
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New Zealand Rose — Kelsi Wallace
Kia ora koutou! I’m 27 and I was born and bred in the deep south of Aotearoa New Zealand, and now live just up the coast in the beautiful Ōtepoti region. My paternal grandfather is from a small village called Cregganawoody in Co. Mayo and immigrated to New Zealand in 1950.
After a few lambing seasons in Murihiku Southland, he married the farmer’s daughter and still lives on that farm today! I currently work in musculoskeletal injury prevention at Silver Fern Farms and have focused largely on Biomechanics and Exercise Prescription throughout my studies and working career.
I love my field of work, as I’ve seen how pain and injury can deplete quality of life, and it’s very rewarding to be able to help. I’m passionately involved in Irish dance; I competed for years, trained dancers and have published a paper on Irish dance biomechanics.
I’m a member of our local Irish society and volunteer for several mental health organisations, a cause very close to my heart.
The rest of my time is spent lifting weights, dabbling in music, and hanging out with my whānau. It’s exciting to come back to Ireland and I’m so honoured to be a part of this Festival!
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Offaly Rose — Allie Leahy
My name is Allie Leahy and I am 24 years old. I live in Kinnitty, Co. Offaly. I am employed by Tullamore Pet Hospital as a receptionist, working with fabulous pet owners and adorable animals.
I enjoy pilates, cooking, socialising with my family and friends and I love to walk my dog Shrek. I train the underage Kinnitty camogie team. I was never much of a camogie player myself, but I have found training the underage team an incredibly rewarding experience.
It is a great privilege to provide encouragement, support and mentorship to these young women at such a key point in their lives. I am passionate about travelling! I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures.
I have been to various European cities as well as New York and Melbourne. I also lived in Inveraray, Scotland before moving home due to the pandemic. I consider myself a bubbly, friendly and an enthusiastic person (unless I’m hangry!).
I am incredibly grateful to be a participant in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am excited to meet all of the other fantastic ladies and to empower women and young girls globally to believe in themselves and follow their dreams!
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Ottawa Rose — Aoife McDonald
My name is Aoife McDonald, I’m 27 years old and I was born and raised in Ottawa. I hold dual citizenship and I’m a first generation Canadian.
My mother hails from Mountbellew, Co. Galway and my father from Portarlington, Co. Laois. I love returning to Ireland every summer to visit family and explore my home away from home.
I am heavily involved in Ottawa’s vibrant Irish community and enjoy singing, dancing, acting and art. I have a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in History and Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations and a Minor in French and a Bachelor of Education.
During university, I served on the executive committee of a women’s social and empowerment organisation which helps young women transition to university, develop leadership skills and participate in philanthropic activities.
I currently work for the Committees Directorate of the Senate of Canada. I also work part time at two local pubs, the Aulde Dubliner and Brigid’s Well, giving me the opportunity to stay connected in the community.
In the future, I’m interested in becoming a Member of Parliament so I can foster change and continue to help others. I’m very excited to return to Ireland this year as a Rose.
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Philadelphia Rose — Marissa Berry
My name is Marissa Berry, I’m 29 years old, and I am an insurance underwriter for weddings and other special events across the United States.
I graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and have lived in nearby Havertown ever since. As a woman with ADHD, I hope to someday help women with similar struggles in their personal and professional development.
Most of my family hails from Co. Mayo. My great-grandparents came over in the 1920’s and made their home in Philadelphia. My grandfather’s Uncle served as a member of the H Company (Aughagower) of the West Mayo Brigade during the Irish war of Independence.
His name now lives on a memorial by the canal in the city center of Westport. My family continues to grow their Irish connections three generations later. I do as much as I can within the Philadelphia Irish community.
I am Vice President of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and have the honor to serve as Assistant Ball Chair for the Donegal Ball, an event that has been taking place for 133 years. I am proud to represent Philadelphia at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival!
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Queensland Rose — Imogen Weston-Kelly
Hello! My name is Imogen, and I am immensely proud to be representing Queensland in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m 22 and have lived most of my life in Brisbane with my Aussie Mum, Irish Dad, two younger siblings, and much-loved Cavoodle, Harvey.
I’m work as a social worker at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. I love my job and am incredibly passionate about dignifying the lived experience and creating opportunities to empower those facing disadvantage.
In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends at Brisbane cafes, visiting the beach and cooking – I’m a total foodie. Growing up, my fondest memories include the many trips to my dad’s family in Ireland, who predominantly live in both Kildare town and Co. Cork.
When I was little I was always intrigued as to how long summer evenings seemed to last and despite insisting I could stay awake, almost always fell asleep curled up beside the chimenea outside my Nanny Paula’s home.
Feeling so blessed to call two places on the opposite side of the world home, is something that I am forever grateful for and am thrilled to celebrate in Tralee this year.
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San Francisco Rose — Katie McFadden
Hello Everyone! My name is Katie McFadden and I’m 22 years old, living in San Francisco, CA. I am beyond excited to be representing the city in which I was born and raised as the San Francisco Rose.
I am currently working as a firefighter for the state of California where I respond to a variety of different and meaningful calls. I love what I do because every day is different, and I get to give back to my community.
In the future I aspire to become a Captain with the San Francisco Fire Department, where I will be able to help future generations learn about themselves and their careers. Growing up in San Francisco has given me an amazing opportunity to learn and stay in touch with my Irish roots.
Both my maternal grandparents were born and raised in Co. Kerry, in Ballyheigue and Causeway. My paternal grandfather was raised in Donegal and my grandmother was born and raised in San Francisco.
When I am not working, I love to travel, hike, and spend time with family and friends. I am an outgoing and friendly person and I am delighted to start the Rose Tour with an amazing group of like-minded and passionate women.
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South Australia Rose — Charlotte Burton
Hi! I’m Charlotte, I’m 27 years old and I’m from Adelaide, South Australia, where I live on Kaurna land. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, working primarily in video content creation.
I work at The Growing Space, a disability-focused company where I produce videos aimed at empowering disabled people. As a disabled woman myself, being able to engage with my community in this way is incredibly rewarding. I also am a founding member of DIDA (Disability, Illness and Divergence Association) a group dedicated to supporting disabled and chronically ill students in higher education through peer support.
In my free time, I dance (Irish, Tap and Contemporary), play soccer for the Adelaide Jaguars, and paint. I take great pride in my Irish heritage, which comes from my parents who emigrated to Australia from Ireland in the 1980s.
My Mother hails from Youghal, Co. Cork and my Father is from New Ross, Co. Wexford. I grew up with a profound appreciation of Irish culture, particularly the language and music. To be a part of the Festival is an amazing opportunity for me to submerge myself in my heritage and reconnect with Ireland.
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Sydney Rose — Aoife Butler
Hello! My name is Aoife, I am 28 years old and I am from Co.Wexford. I came to Australia four years ago, to follow my late brother Matthew’s dreams. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental health nursing, I made the move in 2019 to travel and experience the place where my brother spent the last years of his life.
I am now an Australian permanent resident and hope to get my citizenship in the near future. I am working as a mental health clinical nurse educator in St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney while also studying my Masters in Mental Health. I am very passionate about mental health, including honouring my late brother’s memory.
I am proud to be representing Sydney during their 60th anniversary year, for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, it is so heartwarming to see the joy it has brought to my family & community both at home in Ireland and in Australia.
I hope to be a positive role model for young people, knowing that despite the challenges you may face in life, if you keep working hard and believing in yourself you truly can do anything!
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Texas Rose — Eden Kasprak
Howdy! My name is Eden Kasprak, I am 25 years old and was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I am honoured to represent the Texas-Irish community as the 2023 Texas Rose.
As someone who keeps her Texas roots near and dear to her heart, I currently work at a Country Dance Hall and a family-owned Country Western store. My community means a lot to me, which I celebrate by volunteering with children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and walking dogs at the Austin Animal Center.
With the work I do through my community, my professional goal in life is to become a clinical psychologist. I am a very empathetic and passionate person, which stems from my Irish roots.
My paternal ancestors hail from Kildare and my maternal ancestors emigrated from Dublin. Hooleys were very popular in all households, and as kids, we would perform skits and songs during family gatherings.
In my free time, I love to country dance, play Gaelic Football, and try to find the best vegan spots in town. I am excited for my journey through Ireland, making life-long friendships, and meeting inspirational and motivated women!
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Toronto Rose — Erica Daly
Hi! I’m Erica, I’m 24, and I’m the 2023 Toronto Rose. I’m so proud to be representing such an incredible city. As an Irish dancer of 17 years, I had the opportunity to compete in many cool places, which taught me that every day is a chance to learn something new.
I’ve recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities followed by a Master of Environment and Sustainability. Can you tell I love learning? I work at a local College in the Energy and Power Innovation Centre as a Project Manager.
I absolutely love what I do because I help real people with real-world challenges through sustainability solutions. I’m passionate about protecting our Earth’s natural resources and hope that I can one day share this passion as a university professor.
In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, doing crosswords, learning Italian, or volunteering with ALS Canada and the Board of Directors of my local library. My paternal grandparents were born in Ballinasloe and Portumna, Co. Galway.
I can’t wait for an amazing celebration of Irish culture and heritage in Tralee, building new friendships and wonderful memories along the way!
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Washington DC Rose — Siobhan Spiak
Hi there! My name is Siobhán and I am 29 years old. I am honored to represent my nation’s capital and its Irish-American community as the 2023 Washington, DC Rose.
I was born and raised in Arizona, but moved to Washington, DC – also known as ‘the district’- for college and never looked back! I work as a government contractor in public diplomacy programming. When not at work, you can find me running on trails through Rock Creek Park, visiting the local farmers market, and exploring different events in the District’smany neighborhoods.
I love traveling and am always open to new experiences. My maternal grandmother is from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, and she emigrated to the United States in 1951. We have an extremely close relationship and I spent most of my childhood summers going back to Ireland with her and my mother to visit our family home there.
It feels great to go back to what I consider my second home, for the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m talkative, curious, and am always down for a good laugh!
I look forward to Tralee, meeting so many amazing, inspiring women, and having this incredible adventure!
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Western Canada Rose — London Prusko
I’m London Prusko. I’m 29 years of age and reside in Edmonton, Ab, Canada. I am so proud to be representing my home country as the 2023 Western Canada Rose. My maternal grandfather was born and raised in Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
He immigrated to Canada in 1955. I am a Registered Dental Assistant working as a clinical sleep assistant, diagnosing and treating patients with Obstructive Sleep apnea.
What I love the most about my career is the ongoing support I provide to my patients. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my dog, Jet. My hobbies include; running, Irish dancing, hiking, camping and skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
I am a proud member of my local Irish club, I volunteer with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters club. I mentor, support, and encourage a young girl to be the best version of herself! Giving back to my community is important to me, I love doing this through fundraisers and supporting local charities.
I am a dedicated, motivated and kind individual. I am so excited to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and meet other inspirational, successful and motivated women!
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Wexford Rose — Brónagh Hogan
My name is Brónagh Hogan, I’m 25 years old and from Killegney, Co. Wexford. It is a dream come true to be the 2023 Wexford Rose.
In 2019 I graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Mary Immaculate College and I teach in Kilrane NS. I have a grá for learning, which led me to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies and a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education.
One day, I hope to undertake a doctorate and become an educational psychologist. One of my other main passions in life is the stage. I have been performing since the age of four, from musicals to Scór na nÓg.
Most recently I was involved in Wexford Drama Group’s production of The Father, which we were lucky enough to perform in The Abbey Theatre. I also love to travel, my most memorable experience being volunteering with the Badjao tribe in the Philippines.
I am overwhelmed with the support the people of Wexford have shown to me during my Rose journey and I am beyond excited for the adventures that lie ahead as the Wexford Rose.
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