'Women should be celebrated' -- Rose of Tralee Winner Katelyn Cummins responds to pageant criticism
Katelyn, was escorted into the Rose Garden in Tralee wearing a lace pastel green dress with a Laois flag proudly billowing from the window of her chauffeur driven car.
Apprentice electrician Katelyn spoke about wearing a hearing aid when she appeared on the stage at The Dome in Tralee. Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins is selected as the 2025 International Rose of Tralee. Pic: Domnick Walsh
'I suppose having hearing disability does have its challenges as well. But I wanted to make this experience was about me and not about my disability, which was, I suppose, different for most people.
'But I wanted to make it about me, my personality and everything else, and not just about my disability.'
As well as being the first Laois Rose Katelyn, also made history by being the first Rose to forge a career as an electrician Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins jiving on stage with her Escort Tommy Meade. Pic: Domnick Walsh
'I'm absolutely delighted to be able to represent women in the trade world,' she added.
'It's absolutely incredible. I think I'm actually inspiring a lot of young girls, and hope to continue to.'
Katelyn said that while she has made the decision to turn to college she says it shouldn't define women or impact their future prospects. Kathryn Thomas with 2025 International Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins. Pic: Domnick Walsh
'I just want to make it aware that most women can make that decision for themselves.
'I think it's just very important that we are made aware of it and I think a lot of women really do think they do have to go to college.'
And talking to reporters regarding criticism of the Rose of Tralee festival and of pageants in general Katelyn, told Extra.ie that 'women should be celebrated' regardless. Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins is selected as the 2025 International Rose of Tralee. Pic: Domnick Walsh
'I think women should be celebrated no matter what it is.
'I don't think there is a personal preference, whether it could be a pageant or a rose.
'I think they're all equally celebrating women. I think it's just amazing that women are so confident in themselves and they're wanting to put themselves forward to be able to represent themselves, a community (and) their family.'
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