Kilkenny Macra Chair blooms at Rose of Tralee!

Macra wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations to Katelyn Cummins, the Laois Rose and a proud Macra member, on being crowned the 2025 International Rose of Tralee - the first-ever Laois winner. Her success marks a momentous occasion for her county and for young rural women across Ireland.

Katelyn, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician from the village of Ballyouskill on the Laois–Kilkenny border, has inspired many with her determination and leadership.

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The chairperson of North Kilkenny Macra, she combines her apprenticeship at Alpha Drives with helping out on her family’s dairy farm. Her dynamic presence, performing a spirited jive on stage, alongside her clear commitment to challenging stereotypes in trades, earned her widespread praise both on the night and online. In her onstage interview, Katelyn emphasised the importance of confidence and encouraged young women to pursue whatever path they believe in.

Macra President Josephine O’Neill congratulated Katelyn on her achievement “As North Kilkenny Macra chairperson, Katelyn has long demonstrated her passion for Macra. It was wonderful to see Katelyn speak of Macra on such a National platform. We wish her well on her journey as Rose of Tralee for the next year and look forward to seeing her at Macra events along the way.”

Macra would also like to commend the Wexford Rose, Clíona O’Leary. Clíona has long represented Wexford Macra as their National Council Representative, and continued to champion the Model County in her role as Wexford Rose.

Both women have represented themselves, their families and communities, and the young women of rural Ireland excellently, and we are very proud of them.

The organisation also extends its congratulations to all Macra members who participated in the festival this year, with a number of members acting as escorts.