1.
Antrim Rose Mollie O'Brien My name is Mollie O’Brien, I am 22 years old and hail from Ballymena in Co. Antrim. I am privileged to be representing my County as the 2023 Antrim Rose. I am currently in my fourth year studying Dentistry at Queen’s University in Belfast. I love the challenge of working and learning about the modern methods of dentistry and training under professionals in each speciality. In my spare time, I enjoy playing Gaelic football for my local club All Saints and coaching children at Cúl Camp. I am an Irish dancer and have danced competitively since the age of 4. I also love walks in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. I enjoy volunteering to support local charities like SVP to give back to my local community and Friends for Romania charity, which I visited in 2018. I am an outgoing and fun-loving person and enjoy socialising and making new friends. In the future, I would love to travel and to experience various cultures throughout the world. I look forward to the Rose of Tralee International Festival to have the experience of a lifetime and meet the other Roses who are all inspiring young women.
2.
Arizona Rose Ashley Jackson Hi there! I am Ashley Jackson, a 25 year old resident of sunny Arizona. I am privileged to serve as the 2023 Arizona Rose, representing the incredible Irish community from the desert. My day job keeps me busy on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus as a Digital Communications Coordinator for the Graduate College. These days, I am pursuing two master’s degrees - one in Psychology at Grand Canyon University and the other in Library and Information Science at the University of Arizona. Once I graduate in December, I plan to apply for a PhD program at Arizona State University. My focus will be on Develo mental Psychology, specifically Early Childhood Cognitive Development. I was born in Dublin, Ireland, and spent my first few years in Leixlip, Kildare, where my mum and her siblings grew up. We emigrated to the United States for my mum’s job at Intel and were lucky enough to find our second Irish family in Phoenix. I love staying active and exploring new things - from going on adventures and hiking to catching up with friends at a cozy cafe. I’m excited to meet all my fellow Rose sisters in Tralee and make unforgettable memories.
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Boston & New England Rose Fiona Weir Hello! My name is Fiona Weir and I am honoured to be representing Boston and New England for the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am 23 years old and live in Boston, Massachusetts. After receiving my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, I started as a full-time medical/surgical nurse at a public hospital in Boston. The most rewarding part of my job is when I can sit and talk with patients and listen to their stories because it helps build a bond with them and humanises the job. Knowing I make the patient’s hospital stay more comfortable is my favourite part about my position. I also can be found walking my dogs, running, playing soccer, traveling, and having tea with my granny while listening to the Irish Hour. My grandparents immigrated to Boston over 60 years ago. My Granny comes from Co. Leitrim and my grandfather from Co. Mayo. My great-grandparents come from Co. Galway and Co. Clare. I am privileged to have visited Ireland many times to visit family and friends and Ireland will always feel like a second home to me.
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Carlow Rose Caoimhe Deering Hello! My name is Caoimhe Deering, I am 22 years old and from the fabulous County Carlow. I am so delighted and honoured to be representing my county as the 2023 Carlow Rose. I work as a secondary school Geography and English teacher and love my job. When I am not working I am hugely involved in the GAA within my community. This year I am manager and coach to the u12 girls’ team in Rathvilly, I play for the ladies’ team, am PRO for the club and a member of the committee. Like my Dad, I am also a qualified GAA referee and completed my course in 2020 in Croke Park. I have a huge passion for encouraging girls to stay active, especially in their teenage years, and to continue playing sports. I have a great love for animals and our house is like a zoo! I am enthusiastic, chatty, and outgoing and love visiting new places around the world but especially here in Ireland. I’m so looking forward to my journey to Tralee, both for myself and all my family and friends and to create priceless memories, and meet other like-minded, powerful, and driven women.