Rose of Tralee International Festival - About

Abu Dhabi Rose: Karen Cashman

Marhaba! My name is Karen Cashman and I am a twenty-seven-year-old primary school teacher from East Cork currently living in Abu Dhabi.

Antrim Rose: Orlágh McClinton

My name is Orlágh McClinton, I’m 22 from a village called Glenavy, off the shores of Lough Neagh, Co. Antrim. I have just completed a degree in Liberal Arts with Religious Studies at St Mary’s University Belfast and will complete a PGCE next year to become a Primary School Teacher. I have a passion for photography and travel.

Arizona Rose: Kayla Gray

Hello! My name is Kayla Gray and I am 27 years old living in Arizona, home of the Grand Canyon. I spend my days working in organ donation, specifically finding homes for organs in the research community. For more than ten years, I have been doing a wide of array of experiments and exploration into the human body and have found my purpose in discovering the unknown.

Boston & New England Rose: Tanya Stanley

My name is Tanya Stanley, I am a 22 year old living in the beautiful and historical Boston, Massachusetts. Although I was born in the United States, I spent the majority of my childhood living in Ireland. Both of my parents were born and raised in Ireland, my father being from Dublin, and my mother from Donegal.

Chicago Rose: Shana Pembroke

Hello! My name is Shana Pembroke and I am a twenty-four-year-old graduate student from Chicago, Illinois. I am the youngest in my family and I have two older sisters. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Saint Mary’s College and I plan to work as a pediatric speech-language pathologist providing intervention for children with speech, language and communication impairments following graduation. I am particularly passionate about working with children on the autism spectrum and individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication.

Clare Rose: Victoria O'Connell

Hello, my name is Victoria O'Connell. I was born in Galway and I am the second eldest of five children. My father is from Dublin and my mother is a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Shortly after I was born, my parents decided to make our home in the "Banner County" in a beautiful town called Kilrush. My mother considers herself "Irish" until it comes to Scotland playing Ireland in the rugby!!

Cork Rose: Stephanie McCarthy

Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie McCarthy and I’m delighted to be selected as this year's 'Rebel Rose'. I live in Frankfield, Cork. I graduated from UCC with a degree in Neuroscience and I’m currently completing my Masters in Pharmaceutical Technology. I was inspired to pursue my career in Pharmaceuticals by the eagerness and strength of people to fight an illness even when there are limited therapies available. Once I complete my Masters I hope to work in the area of clinical trials.

Donegal Rose: Chloe Kennedy

Hi! My name is Chloe Kennedy. I’m 20 years old and I was born and raised in Donegal town. Both my parents grew up in Donegal town, and I’m ¼ Indian as my granny was born there. I have two sisters, so watching the Rose of Tralee was always a big tradition in my house!

Dublin Rose: Laura Vines

Hello! My name is Laura Vines and I feel very lucky to be chosen as the ambassador for the Dublin Rose. I am from the most southerly town in South County Dublin- Shankill, the eldest child, and only daughter, with three little brothers (although not so little anymore!).

Galway Rose: Órla McDaid

Dia duit ó Chontae na Gaillimhe! My name is Órla McDaid and a village called Craughwell is home. I am 24 and the eldest of five children. As my father is one of fourteen and my mother is one of thirteen, I have over sixty first cousins. Hailing from such a large family always increases my chances of the typical Irish phrase; ‘I know someone you know!’.

Germany Rose: Beatrice Beiderwieden

My name is Beatrice Beiderwieden and I am honored to represent Germany in the Rose of Tralee! I am currently living in Berlin, and completed my Bachelor degree in Auditing last year. For almost seven years, I have been working at Deloitte with a wonderful team, specializing in auditing the European Agricultural Subsidies. My Irish roots are on my mother’s side who was born and lived in Dublin before meeting my father and then moving to Germany in 1989.

Kerry Rose: Sally-Ann Leahy

Hello, my name is Sally-Ann Leahy and I am honoured to be this year’s Kerry Rose. I live in the rural village of Causeway in North Kerry. I am a Home Economics teacher and Special Education Needs Co-ordinator in Meán Scoil Nua an Leith-Triúigh in Castlegregory. I am proud to hold a First Class Honours Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education, along with a First Class Honours Masters in Education Management.

Kildare Rose: Emer Fogarty

I am 24 years old, have a degree in psychology from NUI Galway and work as an Organisational Psychologist in Version 1, an IT Consultancy firm based in Dublin. The key areas of focus in my role include employee wellbeing and performance.

Kilkenny Rose: Clodagh Cassin

Hi, my name is Clodagh Cassin. I am 22 years old and I have just completed my four-year Agricultural Science degree in UCD. In September I’m beginning a master’s in education to become a science teacher.

Laois Rose: Sarah Bergin

My name is Sarah Bergin, I am 22 years old and I am honoured to be representing Laois this year. I was born and raised in Laois but moved to Galway for college four years ago. I’ve lived my life in a small village just outside of Portlaoise, called Clonad. My mother is originally from Portlaoise and my father lived on the border of Laois and Kilkenny growing up.

London Rose: Laura Kennedy

Hailing from Glenville, in East Cork, I am honoured to be able to represent my adopted home as the London Rose. As the eldest of six I aim to be a role model to my brothers and sisters and make my parents proud in everything I do.

Longford Rose: Marie Brady

I’m Marie Brady, I’m 20 years old and I proudly hail from County Longford. I live in the beautiful countryside on my family farm. I’m an SNA in an ASD unit in a primary school, which I attended as a child, giving me the opportunity to revisit my roots and work alongside some of my old teachers. After finishing school, I decided to take a year out and help my mam care for my granny whilst also working part time and studying.

Mayo Rose: Nicole Loughlin

Hello, my name is Nicole Loughlin. I’m 22 years old and I’m honoured to be representing my county this year as the Mayo Rose. I grew up in Shrule on the Mayo/Galway border and could not be any prouder to call it my home. I have recently finished my final year of my four-year honours degree in Mathematics and Education which I studied at National University of Ireland, Galway.

Meath Rose: Meghan Byrne

Hello, my name is Meghan Byrne, known to most as ‘Meg’. I am a primary school teacher living and working in the Royal County of Meath. My parents are both from Dublin but moved to Kells just three weeks after I was born.

Melbourne Rose: Jordan Balfry

G’day! My name is Jordan and I was fortunate enough to be selected as this year’s Melbourne Rose. Originally a Limerick lady, I set off for Melbourne in January 2018. The city has given me endless opportunities which I have seized with both hands. At 28 years of age, I currently work as a forensic mental health occupational therapist, based in a maximum security men’s prison. My line of work has given me an ample supply of both professional and life lessons, and each day I am faced with new challenges and unexpected yet rewarding situations.

New York Rose: Elena Evangelou

Hello! My name is Elena Evangelou and I was born and raised in Queens NY, just outside of the “City That Never Sleeps”. My mother was born and raised in Pallaskenry (Co. Limerick), and my father was born in the Republic of Cyprus. I am 22 years old, and just graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Business Economics with a minor in Human Resources.

New Zealand Rose: Sinead Rose Stayton

Kia Ora! My name is Sinead, I am twenty-two years old, living in Aotearoa (New Zealand). I am privileged to be representing my country and Irish community as the 2019 New Zealand Rose of Tralee.

Ohio Rose: Danielle Goebel

My name is Danielle Goebel, and I am 28 years old. I live in Cleveland, Ohio home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. My grandmother, Mary Alice Goebel (Fox), immigrated to the US from County Mayo. One of my favorite memories was touring Ireland with about 40 of my family members. It was a blessing to be able to see my Grandma’s home town and pray together over her mother and brother’s grave stone. My Grandma and my Aunt Rose encouraged me to apply for the Rose of Tralee.