Killeigh's Nicole felt 'incredibly lucky' after Offaly Rose selection

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The 2025 Offaly Rose, Nicole Heffernan, felt "incredibly lucky" following her selection at an event in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Sunday last.

"Winning was just an extra," Nicole told the Offaly Independent. "From the glam, to rehearsals, to dancing on chairs in the green room, to all the laughs with the girls, it really was an unbelievable day.

"The entire day was a ball - not one part of it felt like a competition. The fun was unmatched between myself and the 20 other girls."

The Killeigh native had an army of support behind her on the night, including members of her football club, Naomh Molaoise, as well as her very supportive family and friends.

"The support from my family, friends, and my crazy football club was half the reason I was so calm and myself on stage.

"We danced the night away, which was probably my favourite part of the night."

As for how she felt when she heard her name announced, Nicole said it was simply amazing.

"To see the happy smiles on my grandparents' faces all evening made my night regardless of the outcome. I’m pretty sure they had more fun than me. I am so excited for journey ahead, I don’t know what to expect but I feel it's going to be amazing."

Nicole extended a sincere thanks to all the gorgeous girls who participated, the supporters and organisers, to Nakid by Sharon Leavy, The Tullamore Court Hotel, Galway Bay FM's Ollie Turner, as well as the judges, the escorts and to the Offaly Rose Centre's Lyn Moloney and Rose of Tralee's Steve Cronly.

"I feel so incredibly lucky to be representing Offaly in the Rose of Tralee," she added.

"Offaly has always had a huge sense of community, and I have no doubt I’ll feel it throughout the next two years."

* See this Friday's Offaly Independent for more coverage and photos from the Offaly Rose selection night.*