Two Cork-born roses vie to claim victory in the Rose of Tralee festival

There is double the interest in the annual Rose of Tralee festival for Cork viewers this year, with two chances for the county to claim victory.

In the 67th year of the festival, the Cork rose this year is Mahon native Lexi Linnane, and the Perth rose, Anna Clancy, is from Glanworth.

At 19 years of age, Lexi is the youngest participant among all the roses this year.

Studying early years and childhood studies at University College Cork (UCC), Lexi also teaches dance and works in content creation.

“It has been incredible. I have had amazing support from all of Cork,” she told The Echo this week. For Cork to have my back the whole way and be part of my journey, it has just been amazing. I am really looking forward to the next week.”

Lexi has been recently fundraising and raising awareness for the charity Cork Stroke Support (CSS). The charity close to her heart, with her mother Tracey passing away suddenly from a stroke in 2023, at just 37 years old. The live TV shows next week will suit Lexi’s talents, as she has always had a love of performance.

“I have a passion for dance, singing and acting and I have performed on stages across Europe. But one of my favourite roles is, of course, being a teacher.

“My long term ambition is to open my own stage school and create a positive environment, where young people can develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love for performing.”

There is also a Leeside representative at the festival in the form of the Perth Rose Anna Clancy from Glanworth.

Studying medicine at UCC and working as a doctor in Galway before making the big move to Australia, Ms Clancy said her excitement is mounting ahead of the final next week.

“I am absolutely honoured to be selected and to come over to Ireland as an ambassador for Perth. I absolutely love living in Perth and I have the Irish community to thank for making it feel like a home away from home here.

“The blue skies are good for the soul and the work life balance feels like I am on permanent summer holidays again.”

She added that she has thoroughly really enjoyed her rose journey so far.

“I’ve always loved watching the Rose of Tralee and I am absolutely honoured to be part of such a special festival. It’s one that connects Irish people abroad with each other and more importantly, with those 15,000km away.”

The Rose of Tralee will be broadcast live on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, from 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.