I N T E R N AT I O N A L R O S E S 2 0 1 7
South Australia
South Carolina
My Irish heritage comes predominantly from my mother, who is originally from Bundoran, Co. Donegal. I do, however, have Irish ties on my father’s side too, dating back to my great grandparents who hail from Clare. I am currently undertaking an Honours Degree at the University of South Australia, specialising in interior architecture and educational buildings. Preceding this, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies, also at the University of South Australia. I would really love to bring a greater awareness for the Rose of Tralee quest here in Australia and expose as many people as possible to this fabulous experience.
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of South Carolina, which has some of the most incredible coastlines, lakes, rivers, mountains, and farmland in the country. I’m 19 and can trace my Irish heritage on both sides of my family to Co Cavan on my dad’s, and Co Antrim on my mom’s. I attend Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, where I study Agribusiness in hopes of pursuing a career in either agriculture sales or policy with a focus on sustainability. I am an active member in Clemson’s Agribusiness Club and successfully implemented a record breaking fundraiser this year.
Southern California
Sydney
I am 24 years old, the youngest in a family of five raised in the West of Ireland in the beautiful town of Newport, Co Mayo. I moved to the States two years ago to further my career as an accountant as part of the Glanbia Pure Ambition Graduate Program. I settled into the way of life in Southern California enjoying the constant sunshine, beautiful long beaches and endless hiking trials around the hills of Los Angeles. Alongside new experiences, celebrating my Irishness is very important to me. I have met so many Irish and Irish descendants here, which really illustrates how evolved our small nation is around the world.
I’m from Ballylongford in North Kerry where I grew up with my parents, brother & sister. I broke my parents’ hearts and moved to Sydney four years ago with my boyfriend on a one way flight seeking a new adventure, opportunities and live the dream of travelling around the world. First stop…Sydney and we never left! I fell in love with this beautiful, vibrant & hectic city which has now become my second home. I hope to become a permanent resident by the end of 2017. Although nursing is both a physical & emotionally challenging vocation I couldn’t and wouldn’t do anything else!
Texas
Tipperary
I live and work in Houston, Texas, which is the fourth largest city in the United States. I currently work in the Texas Medical Center as an Administrative Coordinator and plan to attend law school in the near future with an emphasis in Immigration Law. My Irish roots come from my mother’s side of the family, the Lawler’s, who are from Abbeyleix, County Laois. My father’s side of the family is from Mexico City. Being from a multicultural background has allowed me to connect with diverse communities in the city of Houston as well as the many countries I have visited around the world.
I hail from a small parish called Toomevara. I am a proud farmer’s daughter and the youngest of four siblings. Like most Tipperary people, I am very passionate about GAA, in particular camogie. I have played camogie with my club Toomevara since the age of five. I had the privilege of playing on the Tipperary Senior Camogie for five years. I am currently working as a full time nurse within the South Tipperary Mental Health Services. In 2018, I hope to complete a post graduate degree and work in child and adolescence mental health services.
Toronto
Tyrone
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Toronto. I am half French Canadian and half Irish. My grandparents, aunt and uncle hail from Dublin. They came over in 1954, and once settled here had a family. I went to an arts high school to follow my passion for visual arts (I’ve been painting since I was seven, had a solo show at 12, and had pieces hanging in the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto for eight years). I ended up majoring in photography and dance! I also grew up playing the piano (brought to Toronto from Dublin!), and figure skating.
I’m a third year student teacher at St. Mary’s University College in Belfast, studying Primary education with Irish. I hail from a townland called “Termon” or “An Tearmainn”, meaning a safe place or a sanctuary in Irish, in Carrickmore, County Tyrone. Carrickmore is a very close-knit community with the GAA at its core. I’ve played for both my club Carrickmore and at County level for Tyrone. A student at St. Mary’s, I live in Belfast during the week and I love nothing more than to come home on a Thursday or Friday night and drink a cup of tea in Carrickmore.
Washington D.C.
Waterford
I currently live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and am going into my fourth year at Christopher Newport University, where I study French and Communication Studies, and minor in Middle East and North Africa, and Arabic. My family’s ancestry is from Armagh, Monaghan, and Kerry! I am a competitive Irish dancer, and my love of dance has inspired my parents to dance as well. Growing up, my father was in the military so I had the opportunity to live all over the world, which included learning Flemish at the same time as I learned English!
I am a 23 year old Resource Teacher, supporting children with special needs, in Waterford Educate Together National School. I graduated from Mary Immaculate College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Education degree and Music Education Specialism. Growing up I had two passions, music and scouting. Having started in the Ferrybank Scout Group at the age of nine, it quickly became a major part of my life. My flare for music began at a young age. I have also played lead roles in various musicals both locally and nationally such as Annie in ‘Annie’, Grizabella in ‘Cats’ and Cinderella in ‘Cinderella’.
Aoife Wright
Claire McManamon
LYDIAN LAWLER LOPEZ
COLOMBE NADEAU-O’SHEA
Sarah Robertson
26
ELLERSLIE McCUE
Aisling Walsh
Sheila Ryan
Niamh McELDUFF
Chloe McGrath
A longer version of each Rose’s autobiography is available on our website www.roseoftralee.ie