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...
You’ve met 16 ladies (click here ICYMI), now meet the rest of the Rose of Tralee 2026 contestants…
.Monaghan Rose – Leah Murphy
Dia Daoibh! Is mise Leah, I’m 25 years old and I’m from a village in Monaghan called Emyvale. I completed my secondary education through the medium of Irish at Coláiste Oiriall in Monaghan, where I fell head over heels i ngrá with the language.
Over the past few years, I have created Irish-language content on social media to help normalise its everyday use and to show people that it is far more than just a school subject.
I graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2022 with a BSc in Computing & Information Technology. Since my placement year in 2020, I have worked at a FinTech company called Options Technology, where I am now the Manager of the Belfast Support Team.
I am proud to be a woman in STEM in a male-dominated industry and as a Rose, not only do I want to inspire people to embrace the Irish language, but I also hope to encourage young women to pursue STEM opportunities.
I’m very honoured to represent Monaghan and can’t wait to meet all of my Rose sisters in Tralee!
.Newfoundland & Labrador Rose – Kathleen Murphy
Hi I’m Kathleen, I’m 24 years old and I am from Tors Cove, a small community in Newfoundland and Labrador located in an area aptly named The Irish Loop.
I work as a Sales Analyst at Nasdaq Verafin. In my role, I educate financial institutions on our product, which helps detect various types of financial crime including human trafficking and terrorist financing.
I am passionate about leadership and community building and recently I have joined the Board of Directors for the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Leadership Program.
Each year we hold a conference to inspire young women to become leaders in their own community. The environment and sustainability have always been some of my great passions, especially when it comes to fashion.
This year, I’ve challenged myself to not buy any new clothing as one of the most sustainable things you can do is thrift or wear what you already own!
I am very proud of my Irish heritage and I can’t wait to showcase the influence that Irish culture has on my beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
.New York Rose – Ciara McGinty
Hello! My name is Ciara and I am 25 years old. My mom, Elaine, is from Leixlip, Kildare and my dad, Rob, is from New York, with both of his parents being from Ireland.
Together with my sister Ava and my brother Rory, we were fortunate to travel to Ireland every summer for 6 weeks, which allowed us to build the strong relationships with our family and friends in Ireland we have today.
I am a first grade teacher in the Bronx. I live in Woodlawn, where there is a strong Irish community. I am the Vice President of the Kildare Association of New York and a delegate for the United Irish Counties Association of New York.
I love spending time with my family and friends and have a love for travel! In 2022, I travelled around Europe with my cousin, Shannon, and some friends.
Recently, I travelled to the Dominican Republic with my boyfriend, Shane. It’s been a privilege to be selected as the 2026 New York Rose, and I am so excited for all that is to come!
.New Zealand Rose – Rachel Keane
Dia Dhaoibh & Kia Ora, I’m Rachel (29), from a farming family in Dunhill, Co. Waterford – the Sunny Southeast – where you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who loves their county more.
I moved to New Zealand for its beautiful outdoors and career opportunities, and now live by the sea in Auckland, where I work as a dietitian in New Zealand’s busiest hospital.
This year, I completed IRONMAN New Zealand: a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, and full marathon. There were tears on the bike, a few questions about my life choices along the way, but pure joy at the finish line, surrounded by friends.
I’ve run marathons fundraising for Palestine, played camogie for Auckland, taught swimming with Special Olympics New Zealand and, following in the footsteps of my grandaunt Bid, volunteered in Zambia and Fiji.
Proud to represent Mná na hÉireann, I believe in whakawhanaungatanga (creating meaningful connections) while contributing to the Irish story that continues to grow in Aotearoa by building a sense of belonging with people and place wherever life takes me.
.Perth Rose – Anna Clancy
Dia daoibh! My name is Anna Clancy, I’m 28 and I come from the real capital of Ireland, Cork!
I am currently living in Western Australia, and I’m delighted to be representing Perth in this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival.
I studied medicine at University College Cork and worked as a doctor in Galway before making the big move to Australia. I absolutely love living in Perth and I have the Irish community to thank for making it feel like a home away from home here.
The blue skies are good for the soul, and the work-life balance feels like I’m on permanent summer holidays again! From tennis to reading to sunset swims, I can see why people call it Tír na n-Óg.
I’ve really enjoyed my Rose journey so far. I’ve always loved watching the Rose of Tralee and I am absolutely honoured to be part of such a special festival—one that connects Irish people abroad with each other, and, more importantly, with those 15,000 km away. Bring on Tralee!
.Roscommon Rose – Rebecca Collins
Hi! My name is Rebecca, I am 24 years old and the eldest of three children. I come from the parish of Kiltoom in the beautiful county of Roscommon.
I have an outgoing, positive personality and love meeting new people and making new friends. I am a Home Economics and religion teacher and am delighted to be back teaching in my old secondary school.
My skills include cooking, sewing, drama and soccer, all of which have played a huge part in my life.
Some of my achievements to date include playing lead roles in productions such as Sive and Steel Magnolias, as well as performing in Dancing at Lunasa.
Sport has always been a big part of my life, and I have won many leagues and cups with my soccer teams, while also previously playing Gaelic football and hockey.
I am deeply honoured to represent the Primrose and Blue in Tralee this year and cannot wait for all the fun, craic and friendships to come, and to make memories that will last a lifetime!
.San Francisco Rose – Sarah Johnston
Hello! I’m Sarah and I am so honored to represent the San Francisco Irish-American community this year at the Rose of Tralee.
I am 24 years old and from San Mateo, California. I graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree in Environmental Design and currently work managing my family’s restaurant in San Carlos, California, Johnston’s Saltbox.
My dad’s people are from Portstewart, Co Derry, and Toomebridge, Co Antrim, and my mom’s people are from Glenullin, Co Derry, and Ballydesmond, Co Cork.
I am so proud to be Irish-American; it makes the world a little smaller, from leaning on my local community after the death of my Grandpa Brian, to hearing a familiar accent while in New Zealand and finding out they’re regulars at my family’s pub in Coleraine (shoutout Railway Arms!).
In my free time I love to golf, catch flights, and hike with my golden retriever, Doc. I am so thrilled to meet new friends for life in my fellow Roses, experience Ireland through a new lens, and make memories to last a lifetime in Tralee.
.Sligo Rose – Bethany McLoughlin
Hello! My name is Bethany McLoughlin. I’m 29 from beautiful Sligo. I’ve a Bachelors Honours
Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with children for a number of years before pursuing my love for music.
I teach piano and I’m now a member of The Atlantic Wedding Band and I’m blessed to travel around Ireland and abroad with an amazing group of lads where the craic is always had!
I enjoy theatre and dancing, having taken part in a number of musicals over the years. I enjoy the the outdoors, kayaking, walking and travelling!
I’m actively involved in charity work and enjoy doing what I can to help others. I love spending time with my family, who mean the world to me!
They have always been my inspiration and along with my community have been a great sense of encouragement and support on my journey. I can’t wait to share this experience with my fellow rose sisters, and I am honoured to partake in and represent Sligo in the Rose of Tralee festival 2026.
.Texas Rose – Ally Padgett
Hi, y’all! My name is Ally, and I am delighted to represent Texas at the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
I am 29 years old, born and raised in the capital city of Austin, Texas. I began Irish dancing at the age of eight, and I am so fortunate that dance led me to be so deeply immersed in the vibrant Irish community in Texas.
After earning my undergraduate degree in Studio Art, I started working in graphic design. I am a Senior Art Director who has worked for two global creative agencies designing and producing social media content.
In my free time, I love traveling and making connections with different places and people. I enjoy creating and viewing art of all mediums, supporting artists and musicians, learning new things, and spending time with my friends and family.
My Irish heritage comes from County Tipperary. As the Texas Rose, I can’t wait to share this journey with all the Roses and celebrate our Irish culture that spreads across the globe. Texas, I hope I make you proud!
.Tipperary Rose – Fiona Kennedy
Hello, my name is Fiona, I am 25 years old and proudly from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
After five years studying at St Angela’s College, Sligo, I achieved my dream of becoming a teacher and now teach Home Economics and Religious Education in Fethard.
Teaching is something I’m truly passionate about. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me baking.
What started as a hobby has grown into a small cake business, creating cakes for all occasions and allowing me to share something I love with others. I spend my summers in Maharees, Castlegregory, where my love for the sea began.
Whether kitesurfing, waterskiing or coasteering, I’m always happiest outdoors and embracing a challenge.
I also enjoy keeping active and despite living with arthritis, recently completed my first half marathon, raising funds for Arthritis Ireland, a charity that has supported me and remains very close to my heart.
I’m incredibly honoured to represent Tipperary and excited for the journey ahead.
.Toronto Rose – Kylie Paliani
Hi! I’m Kylie, I’m 28, and I live and work in Oakville just outside Toronto.
Originally from London, Ontario, I’m a proud Western University graduate, holding a Master of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering.
By day, I’m an Associate Account Manager at Smith & Nephew, where I have the privilege of supporting surgeons and bringing innovative medical technology into the operating room.
My Irish roots come from my mom’s side. My mom was originally from Dublin, my grandma from Clare, and my granda from Tipperary, which allowed me to obtain my Irish passport!
My love for my heritage turned into a lifelong passion for Irish dance, competing for 20+ years and attending the Worlds Championships 11 times!
Today, I stay connected to that passion by teaching and performing with two professional companies. Having balanced both the technical rigor of Engineering with the discipline of elite dance, I’ve learned that we don’t have to choose just one path.
I’m deeply passionate about empowering women to embrace their multifaceted talents and believe in their abilities to succeed in any field they choose.
.UAE Rose – Enya Crone
Hello! I’m Enya, I’m 22 years old, and honoured to be representing the UAE.
Born and raised in Dubai to an Irish mum and an Australian dad, I’ve always felt lucky growing up surrounded by different cultures while staying deeply connected to my Irish roots.
My sister and I spent every summer in Gweedore, Donegal, and thanks to our mum and the wonderful Irish community in Dubai, we grew up celebrating Irish culture year-round.
As well as Gaelic Football, Irish dancing was a huge part of my childhood. I had the opportunity to perform around Dubai, and my sister and I became the first from the UAE to qualify and compete at the World Championships.
This year, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Economics at the University of York, including a placement year working across Dubai and Melbourne.
I’ve always believed that the best experiences come from saying yes to new opportunities, looking for the positives along the way and encouraging others to do the same. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to Tralee!
.Waterford Rose – Cara Comerford
Hi! My name is Cara, I’m 21 years old, and I come from Portlaw in County Waterford, a small village I’m proud to call home.
From a young age, I found a love for Irish dancing, and I have proudly been a member of the Mulcahy Bible School of Irish Dance since the age of four.
Dancing has played a huge role in shaping who I am today, giving me confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
I am currently in my third year of Biomedical Engineering at Munster Technological University in Cork, where I am completing work placement with Stryker Neurovascular, a medical device company developing innovative treatments for stroke and other neurovascular conditions.
I am really enjoying applying the knowledge I have gained in a real-world setting! I am absolutely thrilled to be representing Waterford and my home community of Portlaw in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Having grown up watching the festival, and now following in my grandmother’s footsteps, it truly feels like a special, full-circle moment.
.Westmeath Rose – Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh
Is mise Caoilfhinn, I’m 25 and a proud Westmeath woman.
I balance my retail work with studying to become a wig maker, a path inspired by losing my hair to alopecia at 15. I aim to support others facing hair loss through this work and as a founder of The Hair Loss Haven, a group offering support, events and meetups.
A jack of all trades, I feel fortunate that local sports and arts have shaped my childhood. As I began to lose my hair I found more confidence in my words than my performance which led me to a passion for activism.
For years I worked on youth initiatives with Comhairle Na nÓg and the Irish Second Level Students Union, however now I focus on being vocal about autoimmune conditions and alopecia.
I like to keep myself busy, currently in a play, a musical, planning a Hair Loss Retreat and am tackling furnishing my new house. Balance is essential, and I take time to appreciate the small things in life and explore all my community has to offer.
.Wicklow Rose – Carolann McDonald
Hi everyone, my name is Carolann. I am 24 years old and from Greystones, Co. Wicklow.
I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Pharmacy and now work as a locum pharmacist. I have an interest in health and wellbeing, and I find the most rewarding part of my job is listening to and supporting people in their day-to-day lives.
I would describe myself as outgoing, friendly, and someone who enjoys connecting with others. I love travelling and exploring new places.
I am always open to new experiences and stepping outside my comfort zone, especially with the support of my family, who have always encouraged me. Sport has played a major role in my life.
I’m a proud member of Greystones Baton Twirlers, which has shaped my discipline and confidence and has given me the opportunity to represent Ireland at both European and World competitions.
I’m incredibly proud to be representing Wicklow in the Rose of Tralee Festival, and I hope to be a positive role model and make my community proud. I can’t wait to start the journey ahead!
.Yorkshire Rose – Kerry Manze
My name is Kerry Manze, I am 22 years old and I proudly represent the Yorkshire Rose Centre.
I am a final-year Adult Nursing student at Leeds Beckett University, due to qualify this year, with a passion for acute and emergency care. I grew up in Cambridgeshire and Rutland, UK and moved to Leeds when I was 18.
I am half Irish (from my mother’s side), she grew up in Youghal Co. Cork. I spent most summers in Youghal visiting my Grandad and the rest of my family.
Alongside my studies, I volunteer as a first responder at events to learn from paramedics, which has strengthened my confidence, teamwork and ability to stay calm under pressure.
Before university, I worked in social care with children with additional needs, where I developed a love for communication and care. I would describe myself as a considerate person who values kindness and making others feel included.
Outside of work, I love music, whether that’s singing, playing piano or just listening. I also enjoy spending time with my family, who are my biggest supporters.
Lovely roses