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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. In recent weeks the Rose hopefuls have been getting to know each other, enjoying several social events together, including a nigh out bowling. Under the guidance of Kilkenny Rose coordinator, Lyn Moloney, the group has been preparing for the selection night, which will take place this Saturday in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. It promises to be a night of glamour and fun with family, friends and supporters encouraged to go along to cheer and wave banners for their favourite Rose. ABBI KEANE - TOP HAT KILKENNY Abbi Keane is 22 and studying for a bachelor of business in retail management with Atlantic TU. “I’ve been working in XL in the city centre for the last three years. I love being able to meet so many people and hearing so many incredible stories. I will be completing a skydive in aid of Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland after raising over €1600 for their amazing work. “I’m excited to be a part of the Kilkenny Rose Selection, thanks to my auntie Trish in TopHat for sponsoring me.”
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RÓISÍN FITZPATRICK - MOUNTAIN VIEW Róisín Fitzpatrick is 27 and from Tullogher. “I completed my undergrad with a BA in Education, Business and Religious Studies in Mary Immuculate College, Thurles. Recently, I received a scholarship to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Education from MIC, Limerick. I’m currently working as a secondary school teacher in Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale. I feel very privileged to teach teenagers everyday. I always wanted to pursue a career in education. As a teacher, my aim is to help my students understand the world around them so they can become responsible and capable adults. I am passionate about inclusion.”
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TARA BYRNE - A DIGITAL MEDIA HUB Tara is 23 and she’s a social media manager with A Digital Media Hub and assistant producer in KCLR. ‘I am a social butterfly, I adore working with people every day and meeting new people. Outside of work I have a huge love for animals and will always be a farmer at heart. I’ve grown up watching the Rose of Tralee every year, always staying up late to see who gets crowned. I’m loving the Rose experience so far and have made amazing friends. My colleague Aisling in A Digital Media Hub sponsored me, I am proud to have a female business on my sash.’
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LETIESHA REDMOND - MCSORLEYS BAR Letiesha is 22 and is a student at the Gaiety School of Acting. “I have a passion for performance, and I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the power it has to connect us. I am so excited to be participating in the Kilkenny Rose 2026, to be meeting many wonderful people, sharing what I love and stepping out of my comfort zone. I am delighted to be representing McSorley’s bar and am looking forward to a brilliant night on April 4!”