‘The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose' – Nancy Lehane to represent Rebels at 2025 Rose of Tralee
Some 25 hopefuls took to the stage with an array of musical talents, eloquent poems and mesmerising dance moves in the hopes to woo the judging panel which consisted of the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Nicola Dunne; 2001 Cork Rose Olivia Walsh Murphy and Sales and Marketing Manager at the Rochestown Park Hotel Steve Cox.
Ollie Turner was the host on the night and the Galway Bay FM sports presenter – and Fine Gael councillor – has played a part in Rose of Tralee selection nights for almost two decades, as well as being a judge over the past two renditions of the festival.
When Mr Turner opened the envelope which revealed Ms Lehane's name he said: 'The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose,' which was met with a huge roar of approval by the crowd.
Ms Lehane recently completed her degree in Primary Education in Limerick and currently works at Bob's Restaurant in Kanturk.
The Rose of Tralee will not be her first appearance on television as she competed in Ireland's Fittest Family in 2021.
The 21-year-old has a keen interest in volunteering at local events, as well as embarking on a life-changing trip to Uganda to work with children.
CEO of The Rose of Tralee Anthony O'Gara complimented Cork for celebrations that is 'very difficult' to replicate anywhere else.
'We have Roses from many counties here tonight, but I think they would agree that out of all the events we had this year, this is the biggest and the grandest, and it says so much about the spirit of Cork city and Cork county,' he said.
Mr O'Gara went on to say that the Rose of Tralee is about 'celebrating women'.
'The Rose of Tralee is about celebrating women with their families, their communities and their friends because women are being celebrated more – thankfully.
'The Rose of Tralee has led from the front for many years and making sure that women are recognised for being the leaders of our communities,' he said.
He added that the 25 women competing for the sash were 'strong enough to come up here and be themselves'.
'25 of them will leave the room tonight and none of them will be the lesser and they will all be the better for having got to know the friends they got to know here.
'They will all leave here as proud as they arrived,' he concluded.
A total of €3,550 was raised for the chosen charity partner on the night, the Children's Health Foundation.
The charity supports sick children and their families in Children's HeaIth Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in a number of ways, from funding vital life-saving equipment to supporting ground-breaking research.
Ms Lehane will represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival from August 15 to 19.
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