1.
Cork Rose - Nancy Lehane My name is Nancy Lehane, and I’m honoured to be the 2025 Cork Rose. I’m 22 years old and proudly from Meelin, the highest village in Ireland. I recently completed my degree in primary school teaching. Teaching has always been part of who I am. I began teaching music to children and adults at fourteen and continued until I was seventeen. Even now, I am often teaching my four brothers how to hang clothes on the line properly — so teaching was definitely the path for me! Teaching children was always a dream of mine. Music has been a huge part of my life since the age of five. I play the guitar, piano, concertina, and tin whistle, and I love to sing. I’ve shared my music at community events and through volunteering, and I’m passionate about using it to bring joy to others. I also love sport and play Gaelic football with my local club. I enjoy the craic, teamwork, and fitness it brings. I’m so grateful and excited for the journey ahead as the 2025 Cork Rose.
2.
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!
3.
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!
4.
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.