TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival/Féile Thrá Lí is brought to you by Charlie’s Bar & Bistro at Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club…

With less than a week to go to the Rose of Tralee International Festival, it’s time to meet 16 of the 32 Roses…

Carolina Rose – Grace O’Halloran

My name is Grace, and I’m 28 years old. I grew up in Connecticut, though I’ve called North Carolina home for nearly a decade.

I attended Wake Forest University to study English and Entrepreneurship, with some specialized courses in Irish Literature. I’ve recently joined an advertising technology startup after beginning my career at an ad agency, focused on international markets.

I love to travel, spend time with family and friends, cheer on college football, and try new recipes. This fall, I took my first solo trip, where I attended a weeklong cooking course on a farm in Italy. I’m delighted to represent the Carolinas in Tralee.

This experience is a tribute to the legacy of my wonderful Dad and grandparents (from Dublin and Mayo). They’d think it’s absolutely great craic and are surely smiling from above.

My love of my Irish heritage is inextricably tied to my love for them. Their influence on my life is without a doubt the reason I applied for the Rose of Tralee. A fun fact – my aunt was the Toronto Rose in 1979!

Cavan Rose – Grainne Burns

Hi! My name is Gráinne, I’m 28 years old and I’m from Cavan Town.

After living in Vancouver, Canada for two years from 2022-2024, I now find myself happily back in Cavan, working as a medical lab aide in Cavan General Hospital and with some encouragement from my colleagues I am now hoping to further my education to become a medical scientist.

In the past few years, I started crocheting as a pastime which I now share so fondly with my Mam. From starting off with scarfs and hats we now love to make bigger pieces like jumpers and cardigans.

We have started to participate in local markets and really enjoy seeing how happy our customers are walking home with our pieces. If I’m not crocheting, you will probably find me with my head in a book or in my local cinema catching up on the newest movie.

I am truly honoured to be representing Cavan in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, and I am so excited for the incredible journey ahead!

Chicago Rose – Fiona Gaffney

Dia duit! Is mise Fiona. I am 26 years old and a proud first-generation Irish American from Chicago.

My Irish connection is through my mom, born in Westmeath and raised in Waterford. My grandparents hail from Wexford.

I have Galway and Leitrim heritage through my dad. I earned my bachelor’s in biophysics and microbiology from Michigan (Go Blue!).

My career is in food safety. I recently graduated with my master’s in public health stemming from my passion for science accessibility and women’s health advocacy.

The Chicago Irish community is my second family. I serve on the executive committee of Ireland Network Chicago and am Vice President of Cultural Affairs for the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago.

I have studied Irish with Na Gaeil Chicago for three years and attended Oideas Gael under a 2025 Summer Gaeltacht Award. I’m a lifelong swimmer which led to playing water polo.

I ran the 2024 Dublin Marathon for DePaul Ireland and will run the 2026 Chicago Marathon. I am incredibly honored to represent Chicago and excited for this journey with my fellow Roses.

Clare Rose – Méabh Holland

Dia dhaoibh! Méabh is ainm dom agus is Cláiríneach bródúil mé! I am 22 years old and I come from the village of Sixmilebridge and I am a primary school teacher i nGaelscoil.

Is breá liom an Ghaeilge and I spend my summers teaching Gaeilge in Conamara. I grew up playing the concertina and now it’s amazing to be teaching music with Music Generation Clare and The Irish Concertina Orchestra bringing the music to the next generation.

I love to stay active, training at the gym, competing in Hyrox, and running races – it’s all go! I love to travel and explore new places but there’s no better place than Clare!

I love being involved in my community and act as PRO creating social media content for my local athletics club and community games branch.

I am an outgoing person, full of energy. I love socialising and meeting new people. It is the honour of a lifetime to be representing the Banner County in the Rose of Tralee International Festival and I cannot wait for the exciting adventures ahead!

Cork Rose – Lexi Linnane

My name is Lexi and I feel incredibly privileged to be the 2026 Cork Rose. I am 19 years old and from Mahon in Cork City.

I am currently studying Early Years and Childhood Studies while also teaching dance and working in content creation. Performing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a passion for dance, singing, and acting, and I have performed on stages across Europe.

One of my favourite roles, however, is being a teacher. There is nothing more rewarding than watching young people grow in confidence, discover their talents, and develop a belief in themselves.

I love seeing students embrace new challenges and realise their potential through the performing arts. When I’m not teaching, studying, or creating content, I’m usually spending time with family or making memories with friends.

The people closest to me are a huge part of my life, and I love nothing more than sharing laughs and quality time with them. My long-term ambition is to open my own stage school and create a positive environment where young people can develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for performing.

Derry Rose – Cará Hamilton

Dia duit! Is mise Cará, I am 21 years old, and I live in Derry City, specifically an area called Top of the Hill.” I have recently completed my degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice, and I hope to join An Garda Síochána, as I have a passion for helping others and keeping people safe.

Growing up in Derry has made me a very talkative and friendly person. I enjoy playing Gaelic football for my local club, Na Piarsaigh, where I play on our first-ever senior ladies’ team, established this year.

I love keeping active, but I also enjoy spending time with the girls on the team, as many of us grew up together. I also achieved my Fáinne after studying Irish for eight years throughout school.

In my spare time, I love continuing to learn Irish and helping my younger sister work towards getting her Fáinne too. I am delighted to have been selected as the Derry Rose for 2026, and I cannot wait to represent my community, as I am incredibly proud to be a Derry Girl!

Donegal Rose – Emma Nelis

Dia duit, my name is Emma Nelis. I am 24 years old and I come from the rural area of Gartan in County Donegal, the birthplace of St. Colmcille.

Growing up in the countryside, some of my fondest memories include helping on the family farm, spending summers jumping across bales, and building a treehouse with my cousin.

After secondary school, I moved to Galway to study History and English before completing a Master’s in Education with Hibernia College. I now teach in Errigal College, Letterkenny, where I enjoy supporting young people and helping them reach their full potential.

I am a very family-oriented person and spend much of my free time with my family. Gaelic football is a huge part of my life, and one of my biggest achievements is winning an All-Ireland title with my local club.

I also coach underage teams, enjoy travelling, and catching up with friends over a walk and a coffee. I am so excited about this experience and the opportunity to create lasting memories with all my Rose sisters.

Dublin Rose – Suad Mooge

Hi! Suad here. I’m proud to represent Dublin in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I was born in Sligo where we did a brief stint along Cartron Bay. Shortly after, we made the journey to our Dublin home.

I spent my formative years studying medical science at Technological University Dublin. I’m 26 years old now, and I’ve worked as a medical scientist in histology labs since 2022.

I am also a youth leader with Sports Against Racism Ireland. I started as a footballer with their women’s team, Diverse FC. Unfortunately, recurrent knee injuries prevented me from going pro. I’m an avid runner and completed the London Marathon in 2026.

I co-founded Amanah Runclub – a running community by women for women. I am a serial hobbyist which includes but is not limited to – muay thai, kung fu, gym, hyrox, styling & thrifting.

I’m also a proud business owner, Cak’d Up Dublin, as of 2026. I’m grateful to partake in the 2026 Rose Festival and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Slán agus beannacht.

Galway Rose – Jodie Kenny

Hello! My name is Jodie, and I am a 23-year-old primary school teacher from Oughterard, a small town in county Galway.

Last year I graduated from Mary Immaculate College and since then, I have spent the first year of my career teaching Junior Infants in my local primary school.

I am really passionate about education and love helping my students to reach their full potential both personally and academically. I hope to further my studies in the future, completing my doctorate to become an Educational Psychologist.

I have a huge love for travel and gaining new experiences. I have spent a couple of summers abroad and was also awarded a scholarship to study briefly in New York.

I am known for always saying yes to spontaneous plans and new opportunities. I have also been an ambassador for a fundraiser in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland, a role which I found deeply rewarding.

In my spare time you’ll find me keeping active, coaching football, grabbing a coffee with friends or heading for a swim and sauna session by the sea.

Kerry Rose – Caoimhe Lynch

My name is Caoimhe, I am 28 years old and currently work in Ballymun as a Secondary School Chaplain and English teacher.

In 2024, I founded “The Light House Project,” which supports communities facing poverty and social challenges.

Built on the values of love, compassion, kindness, and connection, our voluntary organisation strives to create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. We do this through a variety of activities, programmes, and community events.

Music is a huge part of who I am, and I direct The Kingdom Gospel Choir in Killarney, which has over 100 members.

It is a feel-good choir where people come together to sing their hearts out and leave feeling uplifted. I am a real people person and enjoy connecting with individuals from all walks of life. I am blessed with amazing friends, and I love good chats over coffee.

I enjoy travelling, especially when visiting friends who live abroad… I love nothing more than a Lynch family music session! I am delighted to be representing Kerry in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Kildare Rose – Jessica Hunter

Hi there! I’m Jess. I’m 28 years old and a proud woman from Kildare Town. With an Irish mam and a dad from Hong Kong, I have embraced the blend of both cultures that have shaped me.

As a little girl I was often flying between Ireland and Hong Kong. That is probably what led me to become cabin crew for the best part of eight years with Aer Lingus and Emirates, where I spent two years living in Dubai.

Being crew has allowed my grá for people, travel and creating little moments of magic to blossom over the years. My boyfriend Jack and I love adventure and have been working our way through an alphabet dating list, from Archery to the Zoo.

I love volunteering with Barretstown and believe magic should not be limited by illness. My faith, family and friends are the compass that guide me, and I hope to inspire young women to stand confidently in who they are, with grace, courage and pride.

My journey as a Rose so far has been an honour and I can’t wait to meet more of my Rose Sisters!

Kilkenny Rose – Rachel Walsh

Hello everyone! My name is Rachel, I’m a 24 year old student from Threecastles in Kilkenny, currently studying Public Relations and Media at SETU Carlow.

I’m incredibly passionate about storytelling, creativity, and connecting people through meaningful communication. I love bringing ideas to life, whether that’s through digital campaigns, content creation, or community-focused projects, and I’m always looking for new ways to engage and inspire others.

Growing up in Kilkenny has given me a strong appreciation for local culture, heritage, and the power of community spirit. It’s something that has really shaped who I am and continues to influence both my personal and professional outlook.

Alongside my studies, I work within my family business, which has taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and staying grounded.

Outside of that, I very much enjoy staying active in the gym, keeping up with fashion and media trends, and expressing myself creatively through design and content. I’m so proud of where I come from, and I’m really excited for everything that lies ahead.

Leitrim Rose – Catherine Cullen

Hello! My name is Catherine Cullen. I am a 21-year-old Physiotherapy student studying at UCD. I come from a farming background just outside Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.

I am an Irish traditional musician, sean-nós dancer, and lilter. Growing up in a county steeped in culture has given me a deep appreciation for the stories, songs, and customs that connect generations.

A tradition close to my heart is lilting (portaireacht), a unique form of Irish mouth music. As a self-taught lilter, I was honoured to win the All-Ireland Senior Lilting title at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024.

Through music and dance, I have met incredible people across Ireland and overseas, proving that music truly is a universal language. Alongside studying Physiotherapy, I teach music, lilting, and sean-nós dancing.

At weekends, I work in Cryan’s Teach Ceoil, where I love meeting local characters and hearing the stories that keep our community’s history alive. Community is at the heart of everything I do, and I am incredibly honoured to represent lovely Leitrim and excited for the journey ahead.

London Rose – Ciara Fallon

My name is Ciara, I’m 27 and I am delighted to represent London. I was born in Dublin and raised in Wembley alongside my three sisters in a proud Irish family with roots in Dublin, Kerry and Galway.

I completed my school days in Harrow before studying Medicine at the University of East Anglia. I completed an intercalated degree in Endocrinology at Imperial College London, where my research on health inequalities was published in a Medical Journal.

I currently have the pleasure of working as an A&E doctor, caring for people from all walks of life alongside the most amazing team.

Outside of work, I love travelling and have spent recent years exploring the world, often as a solo traveller. Growing up in one of the most multicultural cities has given me a diverse group of friends and a genuine curiosity about people.

It has strengthened my pride in my Irish identity and the value of where we come from. My friends know there is always a cup of tea and a warm welcome waiting at the Fallon house.

Louth Rose – Chloe Moran

Hello, I’m Chloe, I’m 23, and I come from Dundalk in the “Wee County”.

I’m a qualified Biomedical Scientist and going into my final year of General Nursing. I love the people, the stories, and the power of a good cup of tea and a chat!

I’m the eldest and only girl, so my brothers keep me busy! I love the chaos of a busy house and I wouldn’t be without it! I love having the craic and meeting new people. I tend to say things as they are. I get on with everybody and could talk to a hole in a pot. I now work in a role supporting people with disabilities.

I enjoy getting them involved in their community and helping them to live their best lives! I love my job and believe that being happy in work is so important!

On my days off, you’ll find me at the gym or doing a bit of farming. I’m a true townie at heart, but I got involved in lambing this year and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Melbourne Rose – Mikaela Whitty

G’day/Dia Duit! I’m Mikaela, I’m 28 years old, and my story involves some back and forth. I was born in Melbourne, moved to Ireland as a three-year-old, and emigrated to Australia ten years later, where I have lived ever since.

Having spent my formative years between Ireland and Australia, I am proud to call both places home. With family stretching from Wexford to Dublin to Donegal, and a strong Irish community in Melbourne, my heritage has always been an important part of my identity.

It continues to shape things that I enjoy, from attending the Gaelic Games and shouting for the Irish girls in the AFLW, to concerts featuring Irish artists and tucking into a spice bag.

I am completing a PhD in Microbiology at La Trobe University, where I spend my days running experiments and asking questions (usually rhetorical and often to myself!).

Outside the lab, I love keeping active, indulging in a bakery treat and watching live sport—anything but cricket. I am proud to represent the modern Australian-Irish story and look forward to sharing it in Tralee.

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE REST OF THE ROSES