Cork Rose favourite to win Rose of Tralee

The Cork Rose has emerged as the bookies favourite to take home the 2025 Rose Of Tralee.

Meelin native Nancy Lehane is being priced at 4/1 by Boylesports to emerge as the winner of the annual event.

The 22-year-old recently completed her degree in Primary Education and is working as a special education teacher in Newmarket NS.

Ms Lehane also plays the guitar, tin whistle, concertina and piano. These are musical talents that she shares with others at local events and through her teaching.

Also being predicted to do well at this year’s Rose Of Tralee festival is the UAE Rose Celiene O’Meara (13/2),who made a move to the Middle East from her native county of Limerick.

The former All-Ireland Fleadh Champion also packed her harp for the journey to the UAE, which she used recently when performing to Emirati royalty at the Dubai World Cup.

The Kerry Rose Laura Daly will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the county’s All-Ireland winning football team and she is 7/1 to take home the crown.

Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for Boylesports said: “The All-Ireland hurling heartbreak is still fresh, but Cork’s Rose has fast become the punters’ favourite to bring a smile back to Rebel faces.

“It’s all to play for though and with everything from beekeepers to barristers ready for the stage, Tralee is buzzing about another competitive battle for the crown.” 

The Rose of Tralee festival this year takes place from August 15 - August 19.

Roses representing Ireland and abroad will take to the stage at the Kerry Sports Academy MTU on August 18 and 19.