WATCH: Limerick turns out in force to welcome Rose Leah McMahon as she travels to Tralee

AHEAD of the official opening of the Rose of Tralee Festival on Friday evening, the Rose Tour rolled into Limerick and the Treaty City made sure to give its own Leah McMahon and the other 31 Roses a hero’s welcome.

Crowds gathered along the streets of city centre, awash in green and white, to cheer Leah on. Family, friends, and well-wishers waved flags and snapped photos as the Roses stepped off the bus in the city centre.

Another of the Roses is also a Limerick native - Celine O’Meara from Caherconlish is representing the United Arab Emirates.

Leah couldn’t hide her delight at the reception she and the other roses received in Limerick: “I was so excited. I nearly ran down the aisle of the bus to get off to see everyone.

"To see family and friends, people from Limerick coming out there just so excited.

"My little girl was there when I got off the bus, and it’s just amazing getting to show her 32 Roses, who are strong and inspiring."

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Leah, awash with emotion, said that "the bond with the girls is forming so quickly, we’re having so much fun, we’re joking, we’re being compassionate to one another, we’re looking out for each other. We’re just so excited for the festival.”

Among the Roses, who passed through Limerick, was Celine O'Meara, the United Arab Emirates Rose, who says she was proud to return to her native Limerick.

“It is such an honour to be the United Arab Emirates Rose, getting to represent each of the seven Emirates. And to be here in my hometown of Limerick, I had to wear my green today, for sure."

Celine is a talented musician and plays with a Comhaltas  group in the UAE.

When asked what her plan is for her on-stage party piece, she said: "I play the harp and the piano and I perform over in Dubai as well. I brought the harp with me, which wasn’t easy so of course I’ll be bringing it to the stage. There might even be another surprise on the night stage... we’ll have to see.”

The 2025 Limerick Rose, Leah McMahon | PICTURE: Adrian Butler

Festival Director and Limerick Rose Centre Coordinator Suzanne O’Gara said the warm welcome which the Roses received in Limerick was a reflection of the strong connection between the Rose of Tralee Festival and the people of Limerick.

“The relationship between the festival and Limerick has always been a lovely one. With Limerick being so close to Tralee, there’s always been a big following here. Even this year, the Limerick Rose Centre was thrilled to welcome a new sponsor, the Crescent Shopping Centre, who generously donated €1,000 to help support Leah’s journey to Tralee.”

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Events are taking place in Tralee across this weekend with the festivities concluding late on Tuesday when the 2025 International Rose of Tralee will be crowned.

RTÉ One television will broadcast live coverage of the Rose selection nights on Monday and Tuesday, with coverage beginning each night at 8pm.

Details of which Roses will appear on stage each night will be announced on Monday morning.