In Pictures: Meet the 32 Roses in the running for the 2023 Rose of Tralee

Chicago Rose

Kelley Leyden

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My name is Kelley Leyden, 28, and I am honored to represent Chicago and its Irish community at the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am a full-time Chicago Police Officer and a part-time Radiologic Technologist, so my work can be challenging, however, I find it very rewarding. I volunteer for Misericordia, Knights of Columbus and Chicago’s Polar Plunge. I am a member of The Young Irish Fellowship Club, Chicago’s Gaelic Park and The Emerald Society. In 2022, I was awarded the Superintendent’s Award of Tactical Excellence, and my professional goal is to one day be a detective. Also, in 2022, I was Queen for Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. My Mother is from Cobh, Co. Cork and my Paternal Grandparents hail from Kerry and Clare. So, I grew up surrounded by proud Irish people who instilled in me a strong level of pride in my Irish heritage. My hobbies include swimming, kayaking, pilates and travel, and I have an adventurous side which includes skydiving and parasailing. Whitewater rafting and biplane aerobatics may be next! I am looking forward to meeting my fellow Roses and making wonderful memories and new friendships in Tralee.