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Irish Independent

Limerick Rose Selection 2025: Meet the hopefuls vying to be the next Treaty Rose

Taking place this Sunday, May 18, at the elegant Fitzgerald's Woodlands Hotel in Adare the final on-stage interviews with the 18 entrants will take place at 7pm. Let's meet the ladies! Áine Kirby – Sponsored by Mary's Meals Hello, my name is Áine Kirby and I am from Crecora, Co Limerick. I am 22 years old and currently studying to become a primary school teacher in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Music is my passion, and if it makes a sound, I'll try to play it—concertina, guitar, ukelele, you name it! I adore Sean Nós singing and think it's a beautiful piece of our culture. When I'm not making music, I'm running for fun (yes, really). During the week I volunteer with the Special Olympics in Limerick, inspired by my sister, and it brings me so much joy. Amanda Dawson – Sponsored by Limerick City Community Radio My name is Amanda Dawson and I am 24 years old. I am from Penneywell in Limerick city. I went to school in Presentation Primary School and Coláiste Nano Nagle Secondary. Following this, I studied Business studies with Travel and Tourism Management for four years in TUS. Throughout the course I discovered how much I wanted to travel and just after my exams I flew to Australia where I lived and travelled for two years. Although I loved my time in Australia and the experience it gave me, It really clarified for me that there is no place like home. Anna Burke – Sponsored by Hyrox Limerick Anna, a 25-year-old primary school teacher from Monaleen, currently resides in Mungret. Having spent five years studying at Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Anna graduated with both a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Education. She is currently working as a Special Education Teacher in a mainstream primary school in Limerick. An avid runner, Anna has completed multiple half marathons and enjoys participating in Hyrox classes and competitions and playing ladies football with her club Monaleen GAA. Anna loves to travel and explore new places whenever she gets the chance. Recently, she raised over €1,000 for Epilepsy Ireland, a cause which is close to her heart. Anna Leonard – Sponsored by Dave Clarke's Bar Anna is a 26-year-old professional Irish dancer who has graduated with a BA in Irish Dance from UL. She is currently in her final semester studying a Professional Master of Education in both PE and Music. Anna plays the flute, bodhran and céilí drums and is also a teaching assistant for Scoil Uí Nualláin, an Irish Dance school based in various locations across Limerick city and county. She is the PRO and an executive committee member of her local rugby club Bruff RFC and is also a player on the senior women's team when she is not out injured! Caoilin Crowley – Sponsored by Wild Orchard My name is Caoilin, I'm 25, and from the beautiful village of Adare. I graduated from UL and now work locally in learning and development. I'm a social butterfly who thrives on connection, good company, and a good laugh. Music has been my lifelong love — I've been singing and playing piano since age 4 and now perform with Limerick Youth Choir. I also enjoy staying active and recently completed the Great Limerick Run Half Marathon. I've always loved the Rose of Tralee and I'm so excited to be taking part in this fabulous celebration of Irish women! Caoimhe McCarthy – Sponsored by Gammell Car Sales My name is Caoimhe McCarthy, a 24-year-old from the countryside outside Kilmallock, Co Limerick. I'm a second-year Intellectual Disability Nursing student at the University of Limerick and have worked in the field for four years. I love reading, the gym, travelling, and spending time with family. Passionate about giving back, I volunteer with Down Syndrome Limerick and support Darkness Into Light. In 2024, I completed a skydive to raise funds for Down Syndrome Limerick. As the youngest of four, I take great pride in my roots and would be honoured to represent Limerick in the Rose of Tralee! Ciara O'Donovan – Sponsored by Around Of A Paws My name is Ciara, I'm 29 and originally from West Cork. I've lived in Limerick for the past decade and recently bought a home in Castleconnell. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Limerick and work as an Automation Engineer in a local BioTech company. I was diagnosed with autism last January, and I hope to take part in the Rose of Tralee so young girls can see someone like them represented. I play badminton for UL and Limerick County, serve as treasurer for the Limerick Badminton Association, and love spending time outdoors with my energetic dog, King Morpheus. Ciara Stack – Sponsored by The Devon Inn Hotel Hi! I'm Ciara, I'm 25, from Templeglantine in West Limerick. I'm a qualified nurse working in the community, primarily with older adults. I plan to pursue a postgrad course in September focused on caring for older persons. After recovering from Lyme disease last year, I've learned to appreciate my health more and not take things for granted. I love going for a walk on bright days to clear my head. I volunteer with my local first responder group and am training to become a CPR and first aid instructor at the moment. Big thanks to the Devon Inn Hotel for sponsoring my Limerick Rose journey! Looking forward to the weeks ahead! Dania Hesham Gazaly – Sponsored by Hamptons Bar & Restaurant My name is Dania Hesham Gazaly, I'm 20 years old and have lived in Ireland for over 10 years. I'm passionate, compassionate, and curious, with a heart for service and a love for connection. As a future nurse, I aim to care for the vulnerable with empathy and kindness. I thrive in diverse environments and enjoy exploring cultures through travel and music. I love playing the guitar, expressing myself creatively, and learning new things. Whether reading by the beach or meeting new people, I embrace life with an open heart—believing true beauty shines from within. Elaine Kennedy – Sponsored by Salesian Agricultural College From Killeedy, Newcastle West, Elaine (23) is currently teaching Level 5 and 6 Certificate in Agriculture at Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from MTU Tralee in 2023. With many interests including baking, cars, and country music, Elaine is also an active member of West Limerick Macra. Passionate about working with animals, she spends her evenings and weekends caring for livestock. Her long-term goal is to continue the beef enterprise her father has developed over the years. Elaine also aspires to travel, particularly to farming nations like New Zealand, to explore how different agricultural systems operate. Leah McMahon – Sponsored by Castle Capital I'm Leah, a 29 year old Limerick native. I graduated from the University of Limerick before I began my career as a financial planner. I am dedicated to making financial education accessible to all and improving gender equity. I am passionate about community, I coach my local U8 Girls' Gaelic football team, play for my local Mothers & Others team and volunteer with NOVAS. I strive to uplift women in business through my workshop Bláthú. Resilient and ambitious, I believe in creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and representing Limerick's strength, spirit, and determination as a Rose of Tralee candidate. Lisa Sweeney – Sponsored by Sinéad's Boutique Lisa Sweeney at 29 years old has had an interesting and varied career to date. She is presently modelling and bookkeeping part time. When not modelling she spends time with Benny, her horse. Her interest in horses comes from her farming background growing up in Castleconnell. After completing her Environmental Management Degree in college, she worked in the haulage industry as a Transport Manager where she obtained her CE truck licence. She is presently studying her Green Cert in Agriculture and a Thoroughbred industry admin course. She is known for visiting the elderly in her community and looking after their needs. Madison Crosse – Sponsored by Gemstars School of Performing Arts My name is Madison Crosse, I'm 20 and I live in the rural village of Caherline/Caherconlish in the countryside of Co Limerick. Both of my parents are from Limerick and I'm the youngest of four. I'm currently studying Intellectual Disability Nursing at the University of Limerick. I volunteer with Gemstars School of Performing Arts in which I am a past student. I'm a proud third degree black belt in Taekwondo from Will Power's Martial Arts Academy. I work as a Healthcare Assistant with Avista while I continue my studies. I'm blessed with my line of work as I'm afforded the opportunity to work with the amazing people we support. Marykate Leahy – Sponsored by Crohn's Colitis Ireland Haigh a chairde, I'm Marykate, I'm 18, and I'm from Clarina. I've dreamed of being a rose since I was a little girl, on family holidays in Tralee. My passions include: avid journaling , writing poetry, nature agus tá grá agam don Gaeilge. Most of all, I love learning about life, and the world, in a philosophical sense. I've found adversity to be my greatest teacher, fostering strength and wisdom. I haven't attended much school due to chronic illness. However the lessons I've subsequently learned are immensely valuable. I proudly wear my life-saving ostomy and use mobility-aids; I feel excited about the representation I can create for these along my rose journey. Samantha Daly – Sponsored by Isobel Boutique My name is Samantha Daly, a proud 22-year-old from the beautiful village of Adare. I'm in my final year at the University of Limerick, studying Social Science. I'm very passionate about supporting those dealing with learning disabilities and grief. I hope to work with Tusla or pursue a master's in Speech and Language Therapy. I work at Isobel Boutique, model for the Holman Lee Agency, and love singing and Irish dancing. I've competed in the Munster, all Ireland and world Irish dancing championships. A highlight of my young journey was becoming Limerick's first-ever Rose Bud in 2010. I'm excited for this experience, ready to step out of my comfort zone and make lasting memories! Shannon Gleeson – Sponsored by Garvey's Centra Newcastle West My name is Shannon, I'm 21 and I was born and reared in Tournafulla, a small village bursting with community spirit. I'm currently in my 3rd year in college, studying Home Economics and Religion Teaching in St. Angela's in Sligo. Teaching has always been my dream. I also have a strong desire to travel and see the world. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing and chatty girl who is always up for the craic. I am the eldest in the family and have plenty of young siblings who never fail to keep me busy. I would not be where I am today without their support. Every year since I was a little girl, I have watched the Roses in awe. I cannot describe how excited I am to be representing my home in the treaty county as part of the Limerick Rose Selection tonight. Shauna Faith Kelly – Sponsored by Túsla Shauna Faith Kelly (22) is originally from Pallasgreen and raised in Castlemahon. She is a final year Social Care student at SETU Waterford and an aspiring MA Social Worker. She works with adults with intellectual disabilities at Avista Limerick and loves her job and the friendships she has made. Passionate about empowering young girls in the care system, she believes in helping them realise their potential and chase their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. With a commitment to advocacy, she aims to inspire resilience and confidence in those she supports. Shauna hopes that if one young girl sees her believe in and chase her dreams and in turn knows that she can too, then her work is done! Vivienne Frawley – Sponsored by Ebzery's Café Foynes My name is Vivienne Frawley, a 20-year-old, from the scenic town of Foynes, County Limerick. Currently, I'm studying Drug and Medicinal Products Analysis at the Technological University of the Shannon, driven by a passion for sciences and healthcare. Alongside my studies, I work part time in my family's café, a local pharmacy, as well as at a walk-in medical centre, where I gain invaluable hands-on experience with people from different walks of life. Outside my studies, I love to travel and meet new people. I also love to attend concerts and festivals. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me and the friends I will make along the way.