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Irish Independent

Meet the Wexford Rose whose dream of making it to Tralee is ‘better than winning the lotto'

The annual global Irish festival has been held in Tralee, Kerry since 1959 and sees contestants from inside and outside of the country, celebrate their Irish heritage with parades, live performances, and community events. The pinnacle of the festival is the selection of the International Rose of Tralee from the pool of 'Roses' who will then serve as an ambassador of the festival and Ireland for the next year. The Wexford selection took place in the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, which was attended by last year's Wexford Rose representative Brona Hogan. Having put herself forward for the selection in a previous year, Clíona believes her success is a lesson in always striving for what you want even when you experience failure. "I went before, but this year was just about pure determination. I love the festival and we always go down to it and I think its this love that has kept me going. It's like that saying; 'if at first you don't succeed, try again.' There is no harm in trying!' An avid fan of the festival, the former Coláiste an Átha Kilmuckridge student has managed to acquire a number of autographs from various Rose of Tralee winners and contestants, describing them as a 'class to themselves.' And it is her earnest wish that not only can she inspire others like her predecessors, but that a different type of Irish woman could see themselves represented in her. Having grown up on a rural village in Boolavogue, she is heavily involved in the agricultural sector and is currently in her third year of college in SETU Wexford studying towards a Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness while completing her six month work placement in John Cullen Grain, Ballymurn. "I hope to represent those with different backgrounds, you know I have an agricultural background and I work with a lot of men and I want to show that you can like 'girly girl' things while working this job. I want to represent these women – I am who I am.' She explained that this festival is the perfect stage for this, as the Rose of Tralee has a long history in putting more emphasis on the substance of the contestants rather than just focusing on appearances like other pageants. "I want to be a role model and show that you don't need to be picture perfect to take part in this. It is not a beauty pageant and they allow us to let our inner selves shine through.' An added benefit to the journey so far is that she has found friends in the group of Wexford contestants who showed nothing but support and unity throughout the judging period. "The girls are fabulous and I am so delighted that I got to meet such a lovely bunch of girls. It is so lovely to have a few friends who are women and I can call actually call them my friends. Everyone was so supportive and we hyped each other before going on stage and that is what you need in this community. I know that sometimes in this situation there can be jealousy, but there was none here,' she added. Staying true to their support, Clíona said she was inundated with texts and calls from the group in the days since she was announced as the winner, with a number of the former contestants already organising transport so they can watch her onstage at the Rose of Tralee. However, when thinking ahead to the big stage, she admitted that she still has not fully come to terms with her new role. "It still doesn't feel real, If you asked me whether I would like to win the lotto or be in the Rose of Tralee it would always be this. It still has not sunk in, but I have received my itinerary and there are a lot of dresses to be gotten. Luckily a lot of people have already reached out about sponsorship.' As part of the festival, each contestant needs sponsorship from a local business to cover the costs including clothes, travel and accommodation, with the business in turn receiving exposure. Clíona is grateful to receive sponsorship from Tommy Williamson Farm and Landscaping Supplies, who has given her priceless support beyond the funding. "It is truly amazing. You could say I am one of the family. He has already told me that no matter what, they will be with me the entire way. And that's half the reason to do this, the amount of support just does not feel real.' Having attended secondary school in Coláiste An Atha in Kilmuckridge, and spending her Friday nights at the Oulart GAA club while completing her six month work placement in John Cullen Grain in Ballymurn, messages of congratulations have arrived from areas all over the county. Her parents, siblings and grandparents are also over the moon for her, and with her grandparents getting older into their years, this accomplishment is being considered a big deal and milestone for the whole family. Overall, Clíona has big aspirations with what she can accomplish while in the spotlight. "I wouldn't say the Rose of Tralee is outdated or anything like that, but it definitely has more meaning for the older generation. I want to bring more attention to it and highlight Irish women in the agriculture industry. I think you grow up with a good work etiquette on a farm,' she explained. "A very 'foot to the yard' attitude,' she laughed. The 2025 Rose of Tralee festival is set to take place from Friday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 19.