Rose of Tralee

Laura Gainey Clark became Rose of Tralee in 1982, representing Peterborough (Canada), and has been the only Peterborough Rose to win the title

My involvement in the Rose of Tralee served as a highlight of my life. It was such a thrill to represent my community of Peterborough, Ontario and my country Canada at this amazing Festival. The Rose of Tralee provided me an opportunity to better understand my Irish ancestry and to meet some amazing girls from around the world. It provided me with a foundation of confidence and pride which I carry to this day.

My favorite memory of being the Rose of Tralee was definitely the many people I was able to touch and meet along the journey. Life is all about relationships and the Rose of Tralee allowed me the opportunity to develop bonds which I will have forever and will always cherish.

Because I have been so blessed in my life, I am very passionate about giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate. As a cancer survivor, I dedicate my volunteer time to cancer related charities having served on the Board of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation for nine years. I have also been involved in fundraising for local Hospitals and led RBC's involvement in the most successful United Way Campaign in history raising significant dollars/awareness for those in need. My volunteer efforts have been recognized through RBC's Volunteer Award program, which was a very proud moment in my life. I am also very passionate about health and wellness and strive to work out five times per week.

I have definitely become a career woman. I now live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and have worked for Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for 26 years. I am privileged to lead a large team as a Regional President for Commercial and Retail Banking. Since my time at the Rose of Tralee I have also had the opportunity to pursue my Masters in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario.

I am very fortunate to be married to my soul mate and best friend, Richard Clark. He is a Chartered Accountant and Partner with Deloitte & Touche in Toronto, Canada. We are both very career oriented and although do not have children, spend time with lots of nieces and nephews, and value our time together. 

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Tralee to participate in the 50th Anniversary Celebrations. For me, it has been 27 years since I was the Rose of Tralee. However, I still feel the passion, enthusiasm and excitement that I had back in 1982! The only things that have changed … I am a little wiser and have a few more wrinkles!!

August 2009