21.
Offaly Rose Allie Leahy My name is Allie Leahy and I am 24 years old. I live in Kinnitty, Co. Offaly. I am employed by Tullamore Pet Hospital as a receptionist, working with fabulous pet owners and adorable animals. I enjoy pilates, cooking, socialising with my family and friends and I love to walk my dog Shrek. I train the underage Kinnitty camogie team. I was never much of a camogie player myself, but I have found training the underage team an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a great privilege to provide encouragement, support and mentorship to these young women at such a key point in their lives. I am passionate about travelling! I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. I have been to various European cities as well as New York and Melbourne. I also lived in Inveraray, Scotland before moving home due to the pandemic. I consider myself a bubbly, friendly and an enthusiastic person (unless I’m hangry!). I am incredibly grateful to be a participant in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am excited to meet all of the other fantastic ladies and to empower women and young girls globally to believe in themselves and follow their dreams!
22.
Ottawa Rose Aoife McDonald My name is Aoife McDonald, I’m 27 years old and I was born and raised in Ottawa. I hold dual citizenship and I’m a first generation Canadian. My mother hails from Mountbellew, Co. Galway and my father from Portarlington, Co. Laois. I love returning to Ireland every summer to visit family and explore my home away from home. I am heavily involved in Ottawa’s vibrant Irish community and enjoy singing, dancing, acting and art. I have a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in History and Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations and a Minor in French and a Bachelor of Education. During university, I served on the executive committee of a women’s social and empowerment organisation which helps young women transition to university, develop leadership skills and participate in philanthropic activities. I currently work for the Committees Directorate of the Senate of Canada. I also work part time at two local pubs, the Aulde Dubliner and Brigid’s Well, giving me the opportunity to stay connected in the community. In the future, I’m interested in becoming a Member of Parliament so I can foster change and continue to help others. I’m very excited to return to Ireland this year as a Rose.
23.
Philadelphia Rose Marissa Berry My name is Marissa Berry, I’m 29 years old, and I am an insurance underwriter for weddings and other special events across the United States. I graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and have lived in nearby Havertown ever since. As a woman with ADHD, I hope to someday help women with similar struggles in their personal and professional development. Most of my family hails from Co. Mayo. My great-grandparents came over in the 1920’s and made their home in Philadelphia. My grandfather’s Uncle served as a member of the H Company (Aughagower) of the West Mayo Brigade during the Irish war of Independence. His name now lives on a memorial by the canal in the city center of Westport. My family continues to grow their Irish connections three generations later. I do as much as I can within the Philadelphia Irish community. I am Vice President of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and have the honor to serve as Assistant Ball Chair for the Donegal Ball, an event that has been taking place for 133 years. I am proud to represent Philadelphia at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival!
24.
Queensland Rose Imogen Weston-Kelly Hello! My name is Imogen, and I am immensely proud to be representing Queensland in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m 22 and have lived most of my life in Brisbane with my Aussie Mum, Irish Dad, two younger siblings, and much-loved Cavoodle, Harvey. I’m work as a social worker at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. I love my job and am incredibly passionate about dignifying the lived experience and creating opportunities to empower those facing disadvantage. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends at Brisbane cafes, visiting the beach and cooking - I’m a total foodie. Growing up, my fondest memories include the many trips to my dad’s family in Ireland, who predominantly live in both Kildare town and Co. Cork. When I was little I was always intrigued as to how long summer evenings seemed to last and despite insisting I could stay awake, almost always fell asleep curled up beside the chimenea outside my Nanny Paula’s home. Feeling so blessed to call two places on the opposite side of the world home, is something that I am forever grateful for and am thrilled to celebrate in Tralee this year.