1.
Arizona Rose - Colleen Kelahan-Pierson Hello! I’m Colleen Kelahan-Pierson, a 29-year-old Arizona native with a passion for movement, healing, and helping others thrive. I work as a Physical Therapy Technician and Patient Services Coordinator at Spooner Sports Institute, supporting athletes of all ages through injury recovery and performance training. My Irish heritage comes from my maternal grandfather’s side, originally from counties Armagh, Monaghan and Donegal. My sister and I are proud to be fifth-generation Irish Americans! A passionate Irish dancer, I’ve proudly taught at the Bracken School of Irish Dance for the past 11 years. Graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Dance, I dream of earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy and specializing in pediatrics, athletics, or ideally, both. I’m inspired by the resilience of young athletes and hope to make a lasting impact in their lives. I love staying active, exploring the outdoors, trying new bars and restaurants, and playing with my 2-year-old beagle Daisy. I’m driven by a desire to uplift others and bring energy, empathy, and excellence to everything I do.
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Armagh Rose - Erin McCormack Hello! My name is Erin McCormac and I am a 26-year-old Primary School Teacher from the Orchard County, Armagh. I am passionate about education, music and motherhood. I am a proud mummy to my little boy, Jonah, who just turned 1 and has brought me a new sense of purpose and desire to make my community an even better one. As a teacher I am committed to nurturing the next generation as I believe that education is key and I strive to empower young people to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities. In my free time I enjoy attending local musical theatre groups and performing on stage. Music is a huge part of both mine and my families lives, allowing us to connect with others and raise money for charity events over the years. I am delighted to have been chosen to represent Armagh this year and I cannot wait to make incredible memories with my fellow rose sisters and my own family too. Ard Mhacha Abu!
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Boston Rose - Maeve Kelly Hello! I’m Maeve, I’m 28, and I’m honoured to represent Boston and New England at the Rose of Tralee. I grew up in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and then spent four unforgettable years in Galway, where I graduated from the University of Galway with a degree in Law, Sociology, and Politics. My maternal grandparents are from Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Killarney, Co. Kerry, while my paternal grandparents are proud native residents of Tralee. Growing up, we spent many summers in Tralee, and it has always felt like a second home. My dad moved to Boston in his 20s, and our family has been proudly rooted here ever since. I’m a first-generation college graduate and currently work as a mental health counsellor. Recently, I began night classes to pursue my dream of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I truly believe it’s never too late to change your path—when you follow your heart, the rest will fall into place. I’m so excited to meet my fellow Roses, embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and return to Tralee as the Boston and New England Rose!
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Carlow Rose - Katie Ryan A chairde! My name is Katie Ryan, and I am 26 years old. I am from Tullow and I am delighted to be selected as this year’s Carlow Rose. I am an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator and I also run my yoga business part-time. I aim to create unique yoga events by hosting retreats and even dog-friendly classes. I love to travel and try to say yes to every adventure that comes my way. During my Sports Degree, I completed two J1’s where I worked at summer camps caring for adults and children with disabilities in California. I went solo backpacking through Asia for 5 months and made lifelong memories by completing volunteer work, hiking active volcanoes and staying with a traditional Thai tribe in the jungle. I am extremely grateful to have completed my Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, learning from experts in the area. If I am not in the yoga studio, you will find me hiking or sea swimming, exploring what our gorgeous island has to offer.