Interest in the International Rose of Tralee Festival has never been higher, and now the chance for one local lady to be named Kilkenny Rose is only days away! The reigning Rose of Tralee is Katelyn Cummins, although she represented Laois in Tralee she is a proud Kilkenny woman. Could lightning strike twice? Come August could we see the crown being passed on to another Kilkenny lady? READ NEXT: 'One of the finest to hold the role' - Tributes to Kilkenny's retiring state solicitor Gerry Meaney The first step along that road will take place with the selection of the Kilkenny Rose — scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at a glitzy ceremony. In the weeks leading up to the selection night, the Kilkenny Rose contestants have been getting to know each other at a number of social events. Recently they enjoyed a night of bowling fun at K-Bowl.placeholder image
Interest in the International Rose of Tralee Festival has never been higher, and now the chance for one local lady to be named Kilkenny Rose is only days away! The reigning Rose of Tralee is Katelyn Cummins, although she represented Laois in Tralee she is a proud Kilkenny woman. Could lightning strike twice? Come August could we see the crown being passed on to another Kilkenny lady? READ NEXT: 'One of the finest to hold the role' - Tributes to Kilkenny's retiring state solicitor Gerry Meaney The first step along that road will take place with the selection of the Kilkenny Rose — scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at a glitzy ceremony. In the weeks leading up to the selection night, the Kilkenny Rose contestants have been getting to know each other at a number of social events. Recently they enjoyed a night of bowling fun at K-Bowl.

On a roll - Kilkenny Rose hopefuls enjoy an evening of bowling in the city

Sian Moloughney
By Sian Moloughney

Reporter

Published 26th Mar 2026, 17:39 GMT
Updated 26th Mar 2026, 17:41 GMT

Rose of Tralee - local participants

Current Kilkenny Rose Lisa O’Rourke joined the ladies to tell them what to expect on their Rose journey. Lisa has been the Kilkenny Rose for the last two years. During that time she enjoyed helicopter and race car rides, all the fun of the Tralee festival and even a trip to the USA to represent the festival. Meanwhile, applications for the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival are now open for Rose Escorts and one Kilkenny GAA club has already put the call out for ‘eligible gentlemen’ in their area. The job of the Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival is to ensure that the Rose has an unforgettable and stress-free experience. The successful candidates will first take part in a team-building boot camp in June in Kerry, while also taking part in the Festival, parades and much more.

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Current Kilkenny Rose Lisa O’Rourke joined the ladies to tell them what to expect on their Rose journey. Lisa has been the Kilkenny Rose for the last two years. During that time she enjoyed helicopter and race car rides, all the fun of the Tralee festival and even a trip to the USA to represent the festival. Meanwhile, applications for the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival are now open for Rose Escorts and one Kilkenny GAA club has already put the call out for ‘eligible gentlemen’ in their area. The job of the Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival is to ensure that the Rose has an unforgettable and stress-free experience. The successful candidates will first take part in a team-building boot camp in June in Kerry, while also taking part in the Festival, parades and much more.

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