Cork Rose prepares to hand over title: ‘What an incredible year'

“WHAT a fast year, I can’t believe it has been a year. It feels like it only happened yesterday, but then I feel like it has always been in my life.”

So says Kate Shaughnessy, from Ballincollig, about her time as the Cork Rose, these past 12 months.

But, in fact, the Rose of Tralee has been part of this Cork woman’s life for many, many years - long before her selection as a Rose. Kate’s parents Niamh and John, were teenage sweethearts, who met at the Rose of Tralee. And when Kate was growing up, she attended the festival regularly, and had a little book with all the Rose signatures.

Speaking of her time as Cork Rose, Kate said: “It has been a great year.”

When asked about the stand-out moments, the young woman said there were many.

“There have been so many highlights. The parade on the Saturday night in Tralee was the highlight for me for sure. 

All my family were on the corner, all my friends with their banners, their flags, their badges, a life-sized cut out of me. It is a moment I will never forget.

Another memory was returning to her old school.

“Going back to visit my old primary school Scoil Bara was an emotional moment.

“Being in New York to walk in St Patrick’s Day parade was incredible. I could write a book, there were loadss!”

She feels highs and lows about handing over the sash.

I feel mixed emotions. So sad that I will no longer be Cork Rose. But so excited to see what someone else will bring - so looking forward to the journey they will go on.

“All good things have to come to an end. I am very accepting my time is up. I have done the most with the year.

“Sometimes, I think, not to be tanning and dressing... but I have enjoyed every minute. When it is all over, it will hit me, how great it was.”

Does she have any advice for the incoming Rose?

“You have to dive into it. What you put into the role, you will get back. If you make the most of it you have a fantastic time. It only is a year long, so you have to make the most of it.

“You will have great support, it is great to lean on those around you, get everyone involved.

My family were a great support. Cork Rose Centre were incredible. The people in Cork, local boutiques, the local community...

She has so many thank-yous.

“It takes a village to send someone to Tralee,” Kate added.

She wants to thank Silk Peaches in Ballincollig, Love Cherish in Charleville, Bella Donna and CiCi in Clonakilty, It’s So Me in Douglas, and Phoenix V in Cork, who made her stage dress.

She wants to thank Katie and Heather in the Cork Rose Centre, who were her biggest supporters these past 12 months and who went above and beyond.

“They have become great friends of mine,” added Kate.

She also wants to thank the people of Ballincollig and Ovens for getting behind her and sending on words of encouragement in the lead up to the festival.

Her former place of employment, Norwood Grange Care Home, were also a huge part of her journey and she still calls into them.

Kate’s ties with the Cork Rose are far from over - she will stay on to help at the centre and give them a hand and support the new Rose as she prepares for Tralee.

It can be a very full on two weeks and it can be very overwhelming at times and it is just about supporting the girl, being someone to talk to about what is going to happen, about what is ahead, help with prep, give her a hand with whatever she needs.

The Cork Rose selection will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on June 8. A total of 23 young women are taking part in the event.

The judges this year are Deborah Barrett - 2005 Cork Rose - and this year’s judging chair Olivia Walsh Murphy - 2001 Cork Rose, as well as Steve Cox - Sales Marketing Manager of Rochestown Park Hotel.

The Cork Rose Centre want to thank all the local businesses and organisations who support the Cork Rose and the centre every year.

The winner of the Cork Rose selection will go on to represent the county at Tralee later this summer.

Cork has held the Rose of Tralee title on three occasions during the history of the festival: Josie Ruane in 1961, Denise Murphy O’Sullivan in 1991, and Geraldine O’Grady Finn, in 1999.