Meet the final 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 second group of Offaly Rose hopefuls below.

10. Aisling Mc Elligott - Sponsored by Custom Cuts, Athlone

Aisling is 26 years old and very outgoing with a bubbly personality. She says she doesn't like to let anything stop her from following her dreams, not even her wheelchair. One of the main reasons Aisling applied to be the Offaly Rose was to show people like her that even though they have a disability, whether big or small, they can still go for their dreams and not let their disabilities stop them. Aisling is currently studying Wedding Planning and is on work placement in The Tullamore Court Hotel with the Sales and Events team. She loves spending time with her friends and family, usually in Conway & Co. She is grateful to be sponsored by Custom Cuts Athlone.

11. Jordyn Kavanagh - Sponsored by The Old Warehouse, Tullamore

Jordyn Kavanagh is 24 years old and from Kilcormac. She is a full-time Master’s student with Hibernia College, currently studying English and French teaching. Jordyn is currently on placement in Sacred Heart School, Tullamore. As if juggling a masters and teaching wasn’t difficult enough, Jordyn is also Bar Supervisor of the Old Warehouse. When she doesn’t have her head buried in assignments and lesson plans, you’ll find Jordyn pulling pints and shaking the odd cocktail or four. Her grandad used to joke when she was young that she would be a Rose one day so Jordyn thinks this is a great opportunity to push herself out of her comfort zone.

12. Erin Rafferty - Sponsored by NAKID by Sharon Leavy

Erin Rafferty recently turned 20 and grew up in the countryside in Croghan. Growing up she played football and danced with Shockwaves Stage School. She is currently focusing on herywork and social media whilst staying actively in the gym. Erin was studying Arts in UL in hopes to become a primary school teacher but is now working full-time in Permanent TSB where she will be completing her bank exams. Erin has a great interest in travelling and is hoping to jet off to a few more places in 2023. She has enjoyed her experience in the Offaly Rose selection and is grateful to have NAKID by Sharon Leavy as her sponsor.

13. Emma Jill Fitzpatrick - Sponsored by The Bridge House, Tullamore

Emma Jill Fitzpatrick is 19 years old and lives in Killeigh. She comes from a family of six so it is a pretty busy house majority of the time and family means the world to her. Emma is currently working in the Bridge House Hotel and has bee working there for two years. She said: "Although I love my job, I am currently expanding my options for my career future. I've luckily been selected for the final interview for an Garda Siochana. I am honoured to be representing the Bridge House Hotel and hopefully this will be a unique experience for myself and the other girls."

14. Ciara Murray - Sponsored by The Bridge Centre, Tullamore

Ciara Murray is 20 years old and lives in Killeigh. She is currently a second year integrated General and Children’s student nurse in UCC. From listening to stories about horses and carts, to playing Barbie dolls , every day is different, making it an enjoyable and exciting career. Ciara also works in Cafe4U and Jumping Jacks. She says she loves nothing more than being able to put a smile on people’s faces as a smile is the most contagious thing you can have.

15. Katelynn Kelly - Sponsored by Kafe U, Clara

Katelynn Kelly is 21 years old and from Ballycumber. From a family of eleven brothers, four sisters along with her parents who all sing and play instruments. She works full-time in a coffee shop called Kafe U in Clara. When Katelynn isn't behind the coffee machine she enjoys gigging with well-known Irish band, The Jiggers Of Eireann. They have shared the stage with amazing bands such as All Folk'd Up, The Tumbling Paddies and The Druids. Their band is a family band with Katelynn's brother on Accordion, her partner Jordan on guitar and Katelynn on banjo and fiddle. In her younger years she represented her school in the children's national choir. In fact my mother and 11 siblings sang in two church choirs with me for years. From studying sound Engineering at TUS Athlone campus to working at concerts in the 3Arena with ShowInc Ireland it's clear Katelynn is very passionate about music.

16. Charlene McMahon - Sponsored by Phoenix Bar, Tullamore

Charlene McMahon is 21 years old and a current third year student of the University of Galway, studying Child, Youth and Family Policy and Practice. As part of her degree she's on a current year-long placement with Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service based in Tullamore, where she works with the team helping victims of domestic violence on their journey to safety. On the weekends when not on placement you will find Charlene working in the Square Cafe or attempting to pull a pint in the Phoenix bar. Irish dancing was her absolute passion growing up. "I haven’t danced in 3 years but I may possibly get the dancing shoes out again this weekend, although I might need a defibrillator afterwards. I am absolutely ecstatic about being part of this year's Offaly Rose Selection."

17. Laura Fagan - Sponsored by Cheveux Hair Salon, Tullamore

Laura Fagan is 21 years old and works as an Early Years Educator in Tullamore. She has always wanted to work with children so she really enjoys her job. Laura is hoping to return to college in September to study Social work. She has a huge passion for the stage and is a member of Clara Musical Society. Laura has been part of various charity shows in her lifetime and always dreamed of entering the Rose of Tralee and is delighted to be part of the Offaly Rose selection. She would like to thank Cheveux Hair Salon in Tullamore and Classy & Elegance in Clara for their sponsorship.

18. Alana Barnes - Sponsored by Kinnitty Castle Hotel

Alana Barnes is19 years old and lives in Kinnitty. She is doing a gap year at the moment and working full time in Kinnitty Castle Hotel. She hopes to do mental health nursing this coming academic year in Athlone. Alana ran her own business when she renovated a food truck and ran it for the summer. She sold it last year, at the start of 6th year to focus on her Leaving Cert. This summer Alana is hoping to travel and enjoy the last few months of her year off before starting college.