Limerick Rose crowned ahead of Rose of Tralee festival
A YOUNG woman from Limerick city has been named as the Limerick Rose for the 2023 Rose of Tree Festival.
Molli Ann O'Halloran, age 19, from the northside of the city, took the crown at the selection night for the Limerick Rose on Sunday.
The former St Mary's Secondary School and Thomond Community College student was sponsored by ASD Ireland.
Molli told the Limerick Leader that she has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers so her sponsor "says it all".
"I am doing it for a bit of a confidence boost really, I want to show people that just because you have autism doesn't mean you can't do something.
"I want to raise awareness and shine a light".
Molli was selected as the Limerick Rose at a gala event at the Woodlands Hotel and she will now go on to represent her county at the festival.
The winning Rose was selected by judges Bree Richardson, 2010 Limerick Rose, John Marren of the Rose of Tralee Escort Team and Nell Stritch, owner of Pressed Flowers by Nell.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023 will take place from August 19 to 23.
In 2019, Limerick Rose Sinead Flanagan won the festival in what was the last competition before the world went into lockdown, and became the 60th International Rose of Tralee.