PHOTOS: Meet The Kerry Rose 2026 Contestants

The Kerry Rose 2026 Selection Night takes place this Saturday night in The Heights Hotel Killarney. It’s time to meet the contestants…

Bláithín McKenna — sponsored by Ballyroe Lodge Hotel

My name is Bláithín, I’m 23 and in my final year of Early Childhood and Education Studies in MTU, with a passion for supporting children’s growth and development.

Growing up with one sister and two brothers gave me a strong sense of family, and I’m grateful for my parents’ unwavering support.

I hope to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Outside college, I love football, fashion, and spending time with friends.

The Rose of Tralee is especially meaningful to me — I was one of the first Rose Buds, and every year my aunt brought my sister, cousin, and me to meet the Roses, memories which have turned into lifelong nostalgia.

Catherine McKivergan — sponsored by  Applegreen Tralee

My name is Catherine McKivergan, and I’m 29 years old. I’ve been working in delis for about four years, four months in Applegreen,  who are my amazing sponsors.

I’ve volunteered with a number of the stage schools in Tralee, helping out with shows, which is a passion of mine.

Watching the children on stage is an amazing feeling. I’ve loved seeing my niece on stage, and can’t wait until my other nieces and nephew are old enough to do the same thing.

I’ve been doing challenges for charity every couple of months too, one of which was a 310k step challenge for breakthrough cancer research.

Continued below…

Caoimhe Lynch — sponsored by The Light House Project

My name is Caoimhe Lynch, I am 28 years old and a proud Kerry woman, currently working in Dublin as a secondary school Chaplain and English teacher. In 2024, I founded The Light House Project, supporting communities facing poverty and social challenges.

Music is a huge part of who I am, and I direct The Kingdom Gospel Choir in Killarney, which has over 100 members. Despite living in Dublin, Kerry is home – and I love coming home to my family and friends.

I love having good chats over a coffee , travelling – especially when I’m visiting friends that live abroad, and I love nothing more than a Lynch family music session!!!

Carlise Caffrey — sponsored by  Macbees Killarney

Hi, my name is Carlise Caffrey (22), from Killarney. I’m in my third year of Architecture, at Technological University Dublin, Bolton Street.

Kerry reminds me why I chose architecture because a community is shaped not just by buildings but by how people live and use them.

Alongside my studies, I work part-time in MacBees Boutique, where I bring creativity and confidence to customers and the MacBees team.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with family and friends, sea swimming, running, and exploring new food spots. I’m proud of my Kerry roots and excited to share my positivity, passion, and personality in this year’s Kerry Rose Selection.

Donna McCarthy — sponsored by  Kev’s AutoCare

Hello! I’m Donna, I’m 29 and I’m from Foilmore, near Cahersiveen. I’m a Veterinary Nurse and work in a small animal emergency out-of-hours clinic in Limerick.

My parents are Kathleen and Kevin, and I have two older and much taller(!) brothers, Keith and Mark. My wonderful boyfriend of 9 years, Darragh is from Killybegs, Co. Donegal.

My hobbies include singing, rowing and swimming. I hope to do my niece Evie, and nephews Odrin and Iarla, and my family and parish proud during the Kerry Rose Selection process. I’m looking forward to making friends and memories to last a lifetime!

Ella O’Leary — sponsored by Murphy Brownes

Hello, My name is Ella, I am 19 years old and I come from Knockmanagh near Killarney. I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Limerick, where I am fascinated by understanding people and what makes us who we are.

I am known for being funny, charismatic, and bubbly, always bringing positive energy wherever I go – I love to make the people around me laugh.

My family is the most important thing in my life and they are my greatest support. I have a deep love for singing, which allows me to express myself and connect with others.

Emma McCarthy — sponsored by  FLX Pilates

Emma McCarthy (27), from Tralee, is a proud Kerry woman with a passion for sport, education and community.

A teacher and Pilates instructor, she is passionate about helping people feel confident, included and connected. Sport has always been a big part of Emma’s life, having represented Kerry from a young age.

After graduating from the University of Limerick as a PE and Irish teacher , she spent time teaching in special developmental schools in Australia, which further inspired her love of inclusive education.

Emma is now teaching in Kerry while completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, and enjoys creating community wellness events through movement in the place she is proud to call home.

Jordan Hourigan — sponsored by The Forge Castleisland

Hi, my name is Jordan and I’m 25 years old. I come from Currow and am currently living in Killarney with my fiancé and our one-year-old son.

I work as a community nurse in Rathmore, a role I truly love, and I hope to further my studies to become a public health nurse. I recently became a community first responder in Killarney, which allows me to support people in urgent situations and give back to my community.

I am delighted to be part of the Kerry Rose Selection this year, as it has always been a dream of mine to be involved.

Kaelynn Murphy — sponsored by  Garvey’s Supervalu Listowel

Kaelynn (19) is a first-year Arts student at Mary Immaculate College, aiming to carry on studies in English, Media, and TEFL.

From Listowel, she is deeply involved in the arts—directing plays, working with children in theatre, and creating videos. A skilled fiddle player, in a traditional music oriented family, she isn’t a stranger to attending the Fleadh.

Inspired by her sister and aunt who are both teachers, Kaelynn dreams of teaching abroad. Kaelynn has always admired the Roses growing up, and she is both excited and truly honoured to be part of this process.

Laura Whelton — sponsored by Killarney Regatta

Laura Whelton, 25, was born and raised in Fossa, Killarney, by the beautiful Lough Leane and is now working with Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers where she achieved her Certificate in Insurance Practice in 2023.

A passionate rower, cox and chairperson at Fossa RC, she brings energy and dedication to all her endeavors.

She fundraised €6,000 for the Kerry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre in 2021, volunteered with Fossa GAA’s children for 7 years, and loves to sew and to read in her spare time.

Laura has wanted to enter since a young age, and is very excited to be included in this year’s Kerry Rose Selection.

Lisa Stackpoole — sponsored by Little Flower Minders

Hello, my name is Lisa and I’m 26 years old. I was born in Tralee, I grew up in North Kerry and I now live in picturesque Killarney.

I’m currently studying in the National Learning Network in Tralee, and I volunteer with Clippity Clop Therapeutic Horse Riding.

My new found passion is working with people and horses, and in the future my goal is to continue my studies in Equine Therapy, working with children and adults with disabilities. I love nature photography, reading, writing, and exercising.

I also really enjoy going to fundraising events of various organisations around the county.

Megan Graham — sponsored by  O’Donoghue Ring Collection

Megan (22) is from Killarney and is currently studying Biomedical Engineering at MTU Cork, driven by a strong desire to use innovation to support health and improve quality of life.

From a young age, she has loved Irish culture, having attended a Gaelscoil, which nurtured her appreciation for the Irish language. Alongside her studies, Megan works part-time in The Killarney Plaza Hotel.

She is passionate about sports, particularly GAA and volleyball. She previously played with Dr Crokes, helped train younger players, and now coaches intermediate volleyball athletes.

Completing a WSCA course with SSI last year introduced her to inclusive forms of volleyball, inspiring her interest in seated volleyball.

Muire Kingston — sponsored by ViClarity

My name is Muire, I am 22 years old and from Tralee. I am currently in my final year in MTU Kerry aiming to get my level 8 in (Bachelor of Arts) Early Childhood Studies.  I have 4 brothers and I am the only girl.

I am a half twin, Liam Óg is my twin’s name. I am extremely sporty. I play football with the senior ladies team in my local club Na Gaeil.

My favorite pastimes include walking my pug whose name is Sybil and going to Pilates. I am currently working as a programme facilitator with Rehab Care Tralee and I aspire to be an educational psychologist some day.

Rebecca Barrett — sponsored by Barrett WFM

My name is Rebecca, I’m 25 and originally from Glin, West Limerick. I now live in Killarney while studying full-time as a Beauty Therapist in Kerry College, Tralee.

Beauty has always been part of my life, from painting nails and face-painting as a child to now pursuing it professionally. Some of my fondest memories are watching the Rose of Tralee with my grandmother, who always encouraged me to enter.

I love meeting new people, having the chats, and creating a warm, uplifting space for others. Being a Rose would be an honour and a chance to represent the people and places that shaped me.

Sara Costello — sponsored by  Barry Packaging

Hey there! I’m Sara, a 29 year old Science and Maths teacher from Castlemaine. Growing up on a beef and sheep farm, life revolved around family and community.

I studied Education in Maynooth and I’m continuing that journey in educational leadership. As a teacher, I feel blessed to help young people realise their potential and find their own path in life.

I come from a family of Rose fans and have followed the festival for as long as I can remember, always admiring the warmth and pride each Rose brings.

Guided by my family, my students and my faith, I would be so proud to represent Kerry as a Rose.

Sophie Scully — sponsored by Marquee HQ

Hi everyone, I’m Sophie, I’m 22 and originally from Killarney, now living in Killorglin for the past four years with my family. I come from a big household with seven younger siblings, so life is always busy, lively and full of fun.

I spent two and a half years living in Australia, travelling around and gaining a great sense of independence and a love for new experiences.

I’m now a proud mum to my three-month-old daughter, Myla, who brings so much joy, love and meaning to my life every day and inspires me to be who I am today.

Vivienne Dineen — sponsored by Thomas Dineen & Co.

My name is Vivienne, I’m 22 and I’m from Ballyheigue. I’m an Office Administrator at an accounting firm and owner of Bronte Bakes, specialising in bespoke cakes and cake-decorating events. I hold a BA in Food Business Innovation from MTU.

Last year, I won a scholarship for Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme, boosting my confidence as a young businesswoman. I’ve competed nationally, as a finalist in Knorr Young Chef of the Year and silver medallist at Chef Ireland.

Since being a Rosebud in 2009 for the Armagh Rose on the festival’s 50th anniversary, I’ve dreamed of becoming the Kerry Rose. It would be an honour to represent my home county!