Person to Person: Queensland Rose on her Cork links, proudest moment, and her travel playlist

Wed, 13 Aug, 2025 - 07:15

Where were you born?

I was born in Brisbane, Queensland.

Where do you live?

I have lived in Brisbane all my life - Brisbane born and bred!

Family?

I live with my mother, dad and brother. My grandparents live in far north Queensland on a sugar cane farm. I’ve spent a lot of time in Abergowrie, where they live, enjoying the country lifestyle and the blistering heat!

Abergowrie is where my great-grandparents immigrated from Ballylanders and Meelin.

Best friend?

One of my oldest, Paris, who I’ve known since I was around eight years old. We went through primary and secondary school together and have travelled together since leaving school!

Earliest childhood memory?

I have lots of fond childhood memories but one of my first is actually my first Queensland Rose of Tralee selection night. Unfortunately, it’s not all for fond reasons, as that day I was so excited, I ran head first into the corner of a table at pre-school, needing eight stitches on my forehead!

But nothing was going to stop me going to the ball, so I went with a very obvious head plaster and had the best night!

Person you most admire?

So many women have inspired me my entire life - I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by so many Queensland Roses, one such being my mother! She has always inspired me to celebrate my cultural heritage and given me such a wonderful gift of the Rose of Tralee community. I know I’ll do her proud in Tralee!

Person who most irritates you?

As a former childcare worker, I’d love to be able to say I have an unlimited amount of patience, but now, working as a strategy consultant, I’d have to say nothing tests me like a meeting which very easily could’ve been an email.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Last year I got to travel through Europe with some of my closest friends. We got to experience New Year in Paris, the Scottish Highlands and London! The European winter was unbearable for us Aussies.

Favourite TV programme?

It has to be Ballykissangel - it’s a favourite when I go back up to see my grandparents, we’ve re-watched it so much we’ve scratched out the disc! Of course, my favourite character is Siobhan.

Favourite radio show or podcast?

The Hamish And Andy Podcast is definitely one of my favourites! Always a fun one to listen to!

Your signature dish if cooking?

A piece of toast! I’m absolutely no chef!

Favourite restaurant?

Agnes in Brisbane - it’s an iconic spot with all modern Australian cuisine. All celebrations take place at Agnes!

Last book you read?

Intermezzo, by Sally Rooney. As a fan of her books (especially Normal People) I am so excited to visit Trinity College and experience some of the places I’ve read!

Best book you read?

I love the classics - my favourite has always been Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It’s the book that got me super into reading and I go back for a re-read all the time!

Last album/CD/download you bought?

I had quite a few albums downloaded ready for the 20-plus hour journey to Ireland from Australia, including some of my favourites such as Back To Black by Amy Winehouse, some Harry Styles, and my all time favourite - the Mamma Mia soundtrack!

Favourite song?

Murder On The Dancefloor, by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to see Hozier in concert.

He recently came to Australia, but all his shows sold out in seconds, so still one on the bucket list for me.

Do you have a pet?

No pets currently, sadly. Still cherish my childhood Guinea pig Scooby Doo though!

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely night owl - looking forward to the twilight and extra hours of sunlight in Ireland!

Your proudest moment?

It would definitely be being crowned as the Queensland Rose.

It was a moment I had dreamed of my entire life, and extremely surreal to have happen.

I know it will be a moment I will think back on for the rest of my life.

Spendthrift or saver?

Usually a saver, but have definitely had to be a bit of a spendthrift lately to get all my dresses ready for tour.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

One thing I’d love to improve about Brisbane is the state of our river. It’s such a central part of the city, but it can get very dirty with pollution and rubbish very quickly.

I think we could do better with cleaner waterways and encourage people to be more mindful about how they dispose of waste - especially with the Brisbane Olympics coming up, it’s a great chance to make the city shine and show it off at its best.

What makes you happy?

Being around my friends and family always fills my cup. I love my running and pilates - nothing beats a sunny run along the river and a morning coffee.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to be remembered as someone who loved spending time with loved ones - family, friends, and especially my new Rose sisters I’m yet to meet; and hopefully some who never shied away from a bit of good craic!

What else are you up to at the moment?

My life has been completely consumed by dress shopping, sorting my wardrobe, and getting the many shoes and bags for the Rose tour!