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.
I am passionate about voluntary work and fundraising. I volunteer with Chernobyl Children’s Fund, Tralee and recently visited an orphanage in Belarus. This was a very challenging and heart-breaking visit, yet very rewarding. In July 2017, I welcomed two young children from Belarus into my home and this summer I have the opportunity once again to provide two more children with good food, clean air and lots of fun. I have volunteered with Barrettstown, as well as fundraising for many local charities including Kerry Hospice and Darkness into Light. I also donated my hair twice to the Little Princess Trust, along with many of my students.
I love to travel having visited Australia, Dubai, Hawaii and Thailand, and more recently completed part of the Portuguese Camino Trail. I am a member of Causeway Badminton Club and in 2016 won Best Dressed Lady at Killarney Races!