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Rachel Walsh to represent Kilkenny at Rose of Tralee 2026

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  At the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny on Saturday 4 April, the marble county of Kilkenny held their selection night to find out who will represent the Black and Amber in Tralee. 25 women from all over County Kilkenny took to the stage. But the night belonged to Rachel Walsh, who will represent the county in Tralee. Rachel is 23 years old and comes from the village of Threecastles, just outside Kilkenny city. She is studying Public Relations and Media, and is incredibly passionate about storytelling, creativity and connecting people through meaningful communication. She also has a fondness for local culture and the power of community spirit, and also enjoys staying active and exploring new trends and expressing herself through design and media. We look forward to following Rachel's journey to Tralee over the coming months, especially myself in particular as a Kilkenny man. I'm sure she will do us all proud in Tralee in August.  Rachel with outgoing 2024 Kilkenny Rose Lisa O'Rou...
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Cara Comerford chosen as Waterford Rose 2026

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    On Saturday 14th of March, the Tower Hotel on the banks of the River Suir in Waterford City played host to 21 Waterford women, who were all vying to represent Waterford in Tralee, following two great years of Abby Walsh. I was in attendance myself at this particular selection. Vice admin Lorcan was going to come originally but wasn't able to make it in the end. It was a great fun night and everything was organised well.  The night saw some fantastic variety of entertainment, such as one contestant performing a magic trick, another singing opera, some contestants doing Irish dancing, one contestant singing "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid, a contestant playing the accordion to "Killeagh", some harmonica playing to "Piano Man" and even some aerobics. Another contestant also entertained with a rendition of "Zombie" by The Cranberries.  But the night ultimately belonged to 21 year old Cara Comerford from Portlaw, who was the last ...
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Katelyn Cummins triumphs on Dancing With The Stars

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  For the past 3 months, viewers have tuned in every Sunday night to watch the incumbent Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins entertaining on Dancing With The Stars. She, alongside her partner Leonardo Lini, sailed through the competition with ease, performing a variety of different dances. She has also portrayed different characters through each dancing, such as a teenage High School Vampire on Fright Night, Snow White on the Movie Night, and danced with ease. Her star studded performances saw her topping the board most weeks, and she performed on last Sunday's final, competing against the other finalists, consisting of Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts, The Traitors star Paudie Moloney, and singer Tolu Makay. For her first performance in the final, the Judge's Choice, Katelyn and Leonardo performed their Snow White quickstep from Movie Week to the song "Whistle While You Work" from last year's live action adaptation, bagging a full house of 10s from all judges. The fi...
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Waterford Rose to skydive for Autism charity

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  Outgoing Waterford 2024 Rose Abby Walsh, who will be passing her sash to the 2026 Waterford Rose this weekend, has announced that she will take part in a skydive with six of her school teacher colleagues in aid of Autism Friendly Waterford.   Fundraiser poster Taking to social media, Abby announced the skydive in a statement:  As I prepare to hand over my sash and close this incredible chapter as the Waterford Rose 2024 my heart is full of gratitude  Before I say goodbye to this sash, I wanted to give something back to the community that has given me so much. On Sunday, May 31st, I’ll be taking on a skydive fundraiser in aid of Autism Friendly Waterford — and I won’t be doing it alone! Six of my amazing colleagues from Gaelscoil Phort Láirge, who have supported me throughout this journey, will be jumping alongside me (yes… we’re really doing it!). Autism Friendly Waterford works to create a more inclusive and understanding city for autistic individuals and their fa...
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Queensland withdraws from 2026 festival

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This morning it was announced that the Queensland Rose Centre will not be present in Tralee this year. The decision was made due to unforeseen circumstances.  Instead, they will return in 2027 and then do the rotation process, meaning that from 2027 onwards, they will be represented at the festival every 2 years. Queensland have been present at most festivals since its return in 2022 following COVID, the only holdout being 2024. They have been represented by Eimear Naughton, Imogen Weston-Kelly and, most recently, Siobhan Edwards, whose mother Alannah had previously been the Queensland Rose in 1989. We wish the people involved in the Queensland Rose community all the best and we can't wait to welcome them back next year and follow the journey of the 2027 Queensland Rose. Facebook fan group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1280950768910226 Stay tuned for more posts!
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Jess Hunter chosen as Kildare Rose 2026.

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  On Saturday 7th March 2026, 23 Kildare women took to the stage at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, County Kildare, to see who would don the Kildare Rose sash for 2026.  In a night of excitement hosted by usual Rose MC Ollie Turner, Jess Hunter was ultimately chosen to take the Rose sash and will represent the county in Tralee this year.  Jess Hunter is 28 and lives in Kildare town. Her mother is Irish and her father is from Hong Kong. She works as a cabin crew member, having served with airlines such as Aer Lingus and Emirates for 8 years. She has also spent 3 years living in Dubai. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, and says that her family, friends and faith are the compass that guide her. She says she hopes to inspire young women to stand confidently in who they are, with grace, courage and pride. We can't wait to follow Jess's journey over the coming months as she begins her Rose journey, with all roads leading to Tralee in August. Facebook fan grou...
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Sarah Johnston chosen as 2026 San Francisco Rose

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On Saturday February 21, San Francisco also chose their 2026 Rose. From a field of 8 San Francisco women vying for the coveted sash in a gala held at the United Irish Cultural Center, Sarah Johnston was chosen to represent San Francisco in the 2026 Rose of Tralee Festival. She takes the sash off of Maggie Baglin, who represented the city in 2024. On behalf of the Facebook fan group, we wish Sarah, her family, friends and community all the best over the coming months as they prepare for this exciting journey that will see them head to Tralee this coming August.  Facebook fan group link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1280950768910226 Stay tuned for more blog posts!   
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