Offaly teacher (24) in ‘pure shock' after winning Rose of Tralee selection event

Irish Independent

25-04-2025

The 24-year-old was among 21 potential Roses who competed to represent County Offaly at the Tullamore Court Hotel on Sunday, April 20.
Nicole lives in the little village of Killeigh just outside Tullamore, where she teaches primary school children at Sacred Heart School.
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Speaking about Sunday's win, she said: 'The whole day, none of us felt it was like a competition. I think I only realised it towards the end when we were all on stage, and I was like 'god, someone is actually becoming the Offaly Rose'.
'When they shouted my name, I was just in pure shock. There was no part of it that felt like a competition – it was just the funnest day ever.'
Preparations, she said, felt like a girls' party, getting ready, dancing, music and food.
Nicole kept her Rose of Tralee nomination quiet, but once word got out, all the staff and students of the Sacred Heart School rowed in behind her, emailing her support.
'We're on mid-term now at the moment, so I can imagine when I go back on Monday, they're going to be delighted. I'm looking forward to going back – they were really rooting for me.'
Nicole said she doesn't know what to expect for the whirlwind year ahead.
'I'm just going to let everything happen. I'm just reading about what I'm going to be doing. I'm so excited. I can't wait to meet all the other Roses.'
Nicole's Rose journey will end with her representing Offaly at the Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee in August. It's a huge step up from her home-town appearance, with the eyes of the nation set to be watching the live TV broadcast.
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'I was nervous enough about going up in the Court Hotel,' she admits. 'I was just afraid I would stutter. I was also the 20th Rose to go up – I was second last, so I had seen everybody else go up and how confident they were, and how well they did.'
Nicole's escort, Niall, helped calm her nerves beforehand, and she said she felt at home with all the support from her teammates at Gaelic football club, Naomh Molaoise.
'They made me feel like I was just at home. They're like family to me. When I knew they were there, I was comfortable. I don't even remember what I said on stage.'
Sport has always been a huge part of her life. Nicole plays both camogie with St Sinchills and Gaelic football with Naomh Molaoise LGFA, in Killeigh and Daingean parishes. She loves the sense of community, determination, and 'craic' that comes with being part of a team. 'It's a huge part of my life.'
A recent highlight of hers was travelling through Asia.
'Family and friends mean almost everything to me. I come from a close and supportive family who have always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone - the Offaly Rose selection being one of them.'
The Sacred Heart School sent their congratulations to Nicole. 'We are all so proud of you and can't wait to cheer you on as you represent Offaly with grace, strength, and spirit. Your Sacred Heart School family is behind you every step of the way,' said a spokesperson.
Interviews were held on Sunday for each Offaly Rose entrant, followed by group interviews with the panel of judges consisting of Jackie McIntyre, Offaly Rose 2004, Katie Whelan, academic and broadcaster from Kildare Rose Centre and Mark Irwin, Rose Escort from 2013.
Rose contestants had their hair and makeup perfected with Nakid by Sharon Leavy hair salon who ensured that the girls were looking their best.
An added surprise for the Roses was to have the reigning Rose of Tralee Keely O'Grady with them during the day advising the Roses and reassuring them that they were ready for the interviews and to be themselves.
'It was a privilege to have Keely O'Grady, the Rose of Tralee present on the selection night as it made it extra special for all the Roses,' said Lyn Moloney, Offaly Rose co-ordinator.
'The crowd were assembling from 6pm to avail of good seats and to get prime position for the numerous signs and banners which were brought in support of all the Roses.'
Master of ceremonies for the evening was Ollie Turner from Galway FM, while Rose of Tralee International Festivaldirector of operations Steve Cronly was also present, and outgoing Offaly Rose Allie Leahy opened up the second half by sharing her experience over the last two years with the audience. Allie commented that she had an incredible time as Offaly Rose and was very proud and honoured to have worn the coveted Offaly sash.
The raffle proceeds, totalling more than €500, were donated to the Aisling Murphy Memorial Fund.