Meet the 24 ladies hoping to be named the new Kilkenny Rose

A new era for the Rose of Tralee International Festival will begin in Kilkenny, this weekend, as the new Rose to represent the county is set to be crowned.

A total of 24 young women will vie to be named successor to the current Kilkenny Rose, Lisa O’Rourke, who has held the title for the last two years.

Of course, a Kilkenny lady is the current Rose of Tralee too! Katelyn Cummins, who recently represented the country and the Rose Festival at St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA and Canada, is a proud Kilkenny woman. She may have been the Laois Rose, last year, but has always been clear of her love for both counties.

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Katelyn has had a wonderful year, topped off most recently by winning Dancing With The Stars and lifting the Glitterball trophy.
With such accomplished steps to follow, the bar has been set high for the ladies who have stepped up to take part in the local Rose selection this year. As you will read in the profiles in the coming pages, however, they are all very accomplished in their own rights, with skills from traditional farming to international relations. Click NEXT to scroll through all the profiles!