Daughter of Limerick Rose is 'star of the show' as she celebrates eighth birthday

LIMERICK Rose Leah McMahon dazzled on the Rose of Tralee stage on night two of the competition as her daughter Ella became the "star of the show".

Female empowerment was her main message, alongside her connection with the designer of her stunning gown, Mary O'Sullivan, and finding it "a little bit tough" to be apart from her daughter on her eighth birthday.

Despite her mother not taking home the crown, Ella was dubbed the "star of the show" by co-host Kathryn Thomas, and was treated to a surprise birthday cake by fellow host Dáithí Ó Sé.

The whole crowd singing Happy Birthday at The Festival Dome in Tralee will surely be a memory that Ella and her mother will remember for years to come.

Leah found out that she was pregnant with Ella just before her Christmas exams in her third year of college. 

As someone who places "a really high importance" on education, Leah powered through her co-operative placement, giving birth just weeks after completing it.

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Both having had daughters at a young age, Leah felt the connection with her dress designer Mary O'Sullivan, a fellow Limerick native and a former classmate of hers.

The gorgeous green gown features iconic Limerick landmarks, including King John's Castle, Thomond Park and, of course, Chicken Hut.

Leah, 29, is originally from Southill and spent her teen years growing up in Castletroy, before receiving a Bachelors degree in Business Studies from the University of Limerick's Kemmy Business School.

She now works as a financial planner and delivers a female-focused financial literacy workshop, Blathú (the Irish word for 'blossoming').

Leah believes that for women, empowerment is "about appreciating yourself and saying 'I am fantastic'".