17.
Meath Rose - Ella Bannon Hi, my name is Ella. I am 20 years old and live in the historic town of Trim. I am honoured to be representing the Royal County as the 2025 Meath Rose. I am currently studying General Nursing at DCU and hope to specialise in oncology and haematology. Nursing has always been a dream of mine, as I have a passion for helping others and want to positively influence their healthcare journey. Through Irish dancing, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe connecting young children with Irish culture. I placed 7th in the An Chomhdháil World Championships in 2021 and my proudest moment was dancing for Pope Francis in Croke Park in 2018. My part-time jobs are centred around children. I work as a science instructor with “Junior Einsteins” promoting STEM to our future scientists. I am also a part-time nanny to four energetic local boys. I love to keep busy, travel, and be surrounded by friends and family. I look forward to connecting with my Rose sisters and making unforgettable memories with my family.
18.
New Zealand Rose - Ciara Jo Hanlon Kia ora agus Dia daoibh a chairde! My name is Ciara Jo, and I am deeply honoured to be the New Zealand Rose for 2025. Originally from the small village of Kilchreest in County Galway, I now call the beautiful capital city of Wellington, New Zealand my home. I am a passionate PE, Health, and Irish teacher, a proud Irish woman, and an adventurer at heart. I earned my teaching degree from the University of Limerick, where I was also elected as Students’ Union President. I then began my teaching career in the people’s republic of Cork before making the leap and moving a little further away from home to Aotearoa, drawn by its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting career opportunities. I have a huge passion for wellbeing and the great outdoors. I’ll often be found hiking in the mountains or rambling out on the trails. I am immensely grateful and excited to take part in this year's Rose of Tralee Festival and to share the journey with the other wonderful Roses. I hope to make New Zealand proud.
19.
Offaly Rose - Nicole Heffernan Hi, I’m Nicole, I’m 24 and living in Killeigh, a small village just outside of Tullamore. I’m a teacher by profession, continuing with a Masters in the University of Limerick this coming September, which I’m extremely excited about. Teaching has taught me the true meaning of the saying "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life". Sport has always been a huge part of my life. I play both camogie and football with my local clubs. I love the community spirit, laughter, determination, and ‘craic’ that comes with being part of both teams. Most of these girls are the equivalent to family and I would be truly lost without them. I come from a close and loving family who have always supported my decisions, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and guided me over every hurdle I’ve faced. A favourite trip and recent highlight of mine was travelling through Asia during the Summer of 2024. I’m beyond excited & grateful for what the future holds throughout my Rose journey.
20.
Ohio Rose - Fiona Conway Hello! My name is Fiona. I am 22 years old from Cleveland, OH. My ancestry traces back to Donna, Ballycroy, County Mayo, where my great grandparents were born. I am very proud of my Irish heritage which led me to apply for Irish citizenship. I am a Summa cum laude graduate of Adrian College and have been accepted into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at The Ohio State University. I currently work as a research assistant at the Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan studying cartilage degeneration post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and am the Head Figure Skating Coach at Adrian College. I am a member of Team USA Synchronized Skating and have competed at international events in both Switzerland and Poland. In the future, I plan to work as a physical therapist at the Olympics and form the first synchronized skating team for Team Ireland. Beyond skating, I’m a tenor drummer with the Great Lakes Pipe Band, competing at events like the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland!