WATCH: Interview with Kilkenny Rose Rachel Walsh on her Rose journey and representing the Marble County
Rachel opens up on her Rose experience, her Kilkenny roots and what the journey means to her
The Roses of Tralee received a warm welcome at Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall on Tuesday, August 11, as the 32 contestants made a special stop at the famous landmark on their journey to Tralee.
Among them was 2026 Kilkenny Rose Rachel, from Threecastles, who has been proudly representing the Marble County throughout her Rose journey.
Rachel is a 24-year-old student studying Public Relations and Media at SETU Carlow, with a particular passion for storytelling, creativity and connecting with people.
Growing up in Kilkenny, she said her strong connection to the county's local culture, history and community spirit has played an important role in shaping who she is.
Away from her studies and work, Rachel enjoys keeping active in the gym, following fashion and media trends and expressing her creativity through design and content creation.
At Barack Obama Plaza, Rachel joined the other Roses for an afternoon of Irish music, dancing, food and entertainment before they continued their journey towards Kerry.
The Roses were welcomed by Supermac’s Managing Director Pat McDonagh, with the reception hosted by Rose of Tralee Committee Member Ollie Turner.
The afternoon included performances from champion Irish dancers Saoirse and Lucy, live music and entertainment, while some of the Roses also got the chance to step behind the Supermac’s counter and try their hand at making the famous Moozies.
The visit concluded with a group photograph at the Barack Obama statue before the Roses continued their journey to Tralee.
For Rachel, the visit was another memorable part of what has already been an exciting experience as she prepares to represent Kilkenny at the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which gets underway on Friday, August 14.
Watch our video interview with Kilkenny Rose Rachel above as she talks about her Rose journey, her Kilkenny roots and what representing the Marble County means to her.