Meet the first batch of Offaly Rose hopefuls

The first Offaly Rose selection since 2018 will take place in Tullamore this weekend.

Eighteen young women will compete to represent Offaly in the Rose of Tralee in the Tullamore Court Hotel tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm.

Meet the first nine hopefuls below.

Claire Sheerin - Sponsored by The Brewery Tap, Tullamore

Claire Sheerin is 23 years old and lives in Tubber. She went to St Manchains National School, Moate Secondary School and studied Biotechnology at Technological University of Shannon. She plays football with Cill Oige ladies and has a great passion for horses, recently completing a horse judging course. Claire says she is looking forward to the rose selection night with a great bunch of women.

2. Allie Leahy - Sponsored by Flahertys of Kinnitty

Allie Leahy is 23 years old and lives in Kinnitty. She works in Tullamore Pet Hospital and recently completed a diploma in Advertising, Sales, Marketing and Public Relations with Dublin Business School. Allie coaches the underage Kinnitty camogie teams and this yea is coaching the Under 14 team. Her passions include travelling, meeting new people and learning about other cultures. Allie has been to various European cities as well as New York and Melbourne. She lived in Inveraray, Scotland before moving home as a result of the pandemic and plans to move abroad again in the next year.

3. Victoria Dowling - Sponsored by The Old Harbour Bar, Tullamore

Victoria Dowling is 25 years old and from Tullamore. She has a Bachelor's in Politics and International Relations and a Master's in Peace, Conflict and Development. During her studies, Victoria had the opportunity to work with some amazing organisations such as St Gabriel’s Center in Limerick, the Rwenzori Center for Research and Advocacy in Uganda, Luv2meetU in the UK and Trust Consultancy and Development in Turkey. She also previously worked with her sponsor The Old Harbour Bar for five years and has made many lifelong friendships. Victoria is currently completing a two year cybersecurity apprenticeship with the civil service. In her free time she enjoys baking, playing the guitar, and to stay active by doing step aerobics.

4. Laura Doyle - Sponsored by Aspire Sports Performance, Clara

Laura Doyle is a 25 year old Athletic Therapist from Clara working in Kilbeggan Physiotherapy with a love for all things music, sport and outdoors.She is the Clara Town Band's woodwind tutor and junior band conductor in addition to being a band member. Laura tutors also with the Irish Midland Youth Orchestra. When not playing music you will find Laura playing Gaelic with Clara ladies along with coaching the Offaly U14 county participation squad or going on hikes with scouts. She is really looking forward to the experience of the selection night and getting to know all the amazing women involved.

5. Hayley Margaret Cranston - Sponsored by Art of Ballet

Hayley Margaret Cranston is 28 years old. She's originally from Finglas but has lived in Offaly for the last 22 years. She works in Pharma and is a qualified proofreader and copy editor. Hayley Margaret volunteers with Ballyfore GAA as committee member and a nursery coach with a focus on diversity, equality and inclusion. As a hard of hearing person, she is passionate about making spaces more welcoming and accessible to everyone. Hayley Margaret is also passionate about ballet since starting in 2018 with her sponsor Arianna at The Art of Ballet and Dance Studio in Dublin and languages such as ISL.

6. Mary Joe Browne - Sponsored by Brownes The Venue, Tullamore

Mary Joe Browne is 22 years of age. She is from Waterford native but has been living in Durrow for most of her life. Mary Joe is heavily involved with her family business and they own three restaurants, one located in Tyrellspass and two of which are in Tullamore. She says that she has been training between all three kitchens for seven years now and absolutely loves the buzz of it all. On the rare occasion Mary Joe gets time to herself, she likes to hit the gym and go for a run on the treadmill just watching the world go by. "I am representing Browne’s the Venue in Tullamore. With our one-year anniversary approaching I really hope to do my family proud."

7. Hannah Kearon - Sponsored by PortDara Women's Rugby

Hannah Kearon is 27 years old from Clonbullogue. She graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Education Degree and teaches in North Kildare. She is also a Kids Yoga and Mindfulness teacher and currently completing her 200hr YTT for adults. Hannah is taking a career break in 2023/2024 and will kick start the year by travelling to Uganda in July to volunteer with Nurture Africa. When she returns she hopes to take up more work with Midlands103 and also get involved with volunteer projects. Hannah is an outdoor enthusiast and travels around Ireland during the school holidays in her vintage campervan. She also loves to hike, swim, cycle, kayak, and paddle board.

8. Róisín Molloy - Sponsored by Creative Concrete

Róisín Molloy is a 25 year old native of Ballinamere who is now working in Dublin. She loves to sea swim, hike and spend time outdoors. On weekends she returns home for the Sunday roast and enjoys time with family and friends. Róisín is a Home Economics teacher in Blanchardstown. There she’s sharing her country roots with her students by bringing her school community to life with Farm to Fork food education. When she’s not in the Home Ec kitchen you’ll find her in the school garden or feeding the hens with students. Róisín has volunteered in Zambia and Belarus working with young people in schools, orphanages and care homes. In June she is travelling to Uganda with Nurture Africa to teach for 3 weeks. She is passionate about empowering people with education for living their best lives.

9. Jane Greene - Sponsored by Tenon Tours

Jane Greene grew up just outside Shinrone in South Offaly. Her love of horses encouraged her to go to Enniskillen for College. Jane deferred after Year 1 and began a journey of career exploration eventually falling into a role as a special needs carer for a little girl who was an absolute go-getter. Her influence inspired Jane's now go-getter attitude and it led her to a four and a half year career as Cabin Crew with Emirates allowing her to travel to over 70 countries. Jane now lives and work in Kerry for an American Travel company called Tenon Tours who she is very grateful for sponsoring her.