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Chicago Rose Kelley Leyden My name is Kelley Leyden, 28, and I am honored to represent Chicago and its Irish community at the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am a full-time Chicago Police Officer and a part-time Radiologic Technologist, so my work can be challenging, however, I find it very rewarding. I volunteer for Misericordia, Knights of Columbus and Chicago’s Polar Plunge. I am a member of The Young Irish Fellowship Club, Chicago’s Gaelic Park and The Emerald Society. In 2022, I was awarded the Superintendent’s Award of Tactical Excellence, and my professional goal is to one day be a detective. Also, in 2022, I was Queen for Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. My Mother is from Cobh, Co. Cork and my Paternal Grandparents hail from Kerry and Clare. So, I grew up surrounded by proud Irish people who instilled in me a strong level of pride in my Irish heritage. My hobbies include swimming, kayaking, pilates and travel, and I have an adventurous side which includes skydiving and parasailing. Whitewater rafting and biplane aerobatics may be next! I am looking forward to meeting my fellow Roses and making wonderful memories and new friendships in Tralee.
6.
Clare Rose Aisling O'Connor Hey there! My name is Aisling O’Connor. I am 25 years old and come from the beautiful Feakle in County Clare. I hold my local community and it’s wonderful people very close to my heart. Therefore, I am beyond humbled to be a representative for my county, parish and family as the Clare Rose at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. For the past three years, I have worked as a primary school teacher in Crumlin, Co. Dublin. While it really has been a truly fantastic couple of years, I bid (a bittersweet) farewell to the capital this June and am looking forward to starting a new adventure working back home! Being the eldest of six children (and the only girl!), my role as a sister has always been important to me. Growing up surrounded by my brothers has taught me resilience, kindness and a whole lot of patience! In my free time, I love walking, going to the gym and occasionally pulling out the dancing shoes to relive my childhood passion!
7.
Cork Rose Kate Shaughnessy Hello from the Rebel County Cork. My name is Kate and I am delighted to be representing Cork in this year’s Rose Of Tralee International Festival. I am 25 years old and from Ballincollig. I graduated from University College Cork in 2020 with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree and I now work as the Care Coordinator in the lovely Norwood Grange Nursing Home in Ballinora. While my job has lots of variety, my main role is making sure that all the residents in Norwood Grange feel at home. I have worked in elderly care for the last 6 years and absolutely adore what I do, and feel it a great privilege to be part of what can be a very hard, yet very special time, for both the residents and their families. I was honoured to receive a Mowlam Healthcare Recognition Award in 2021 for my work keeping residents and their families engaged during the COVID19 pandemic. My parents are both from Tralee originally, so the Festival has always been a part of my life growing up and it has been a dream of mine to represent Cork. I am so looking forward to meeting you all in August.
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Down Rose Nadine Downey Hi there! My name is Nadine, I’m 23 years old and I am so proud to be representing my county as the 2023 Down Rose. I have recently graduated with a degree in Drama and English and am hoping to pursue a career in post-primary education. As a member of the Mayobridge Accordion Band, I have been travelling to Tralee for over a decade leading the Roses in the parades and this year I have the pleasure of attending as a Rose myself. I have been fortunate enough to have grown up in the countryside and in a musical family, therefore I also play the guitar and drum-kit! I enjoy reading, horse-riding with my horse Mocha, spending time with my dogs and musical theatre, and am currently working in a restaurant and as a singer. I absolutely love singing and playing my guitar. I’m so excited for the Rose of Tralee International Festival and to meet the other Roses, and make everlasting memories during what I’m sure will be the best week of my life!