The Cork Rose on an exciting week ahead... and meet the six other Roses with Rebel roots

The support shown to Cork Rose Shauna O’Sullivan as she heads to Tralee, has been phenomenal – but one call in particular stood out this past week.

Gerrie O’Grady, the 1999 Cork Rose and International Rose of Tralee, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary as the last Cork Rose to have been given the honour, phoned Shauna during the week and shared her words of wisdom.

It’s just one of the amazing things that has happened to the 25-year old community pharmacist from Araglen since she took up the role.

Shauna, who graduated in pharmacy in UCC, last October, works in McCauleys three days a week, in a part time support role and also does locum work, covering for holidays, etc, in other pharmacies – in particular with O’Sullivans, who have seven stores around Cork.

She is a long time fan of the Rose of Tralee and it is something she has wanted to take part in for some time. So it will be a real dream come true when she steps on the stage of the Dome in Tralee next Monday or Tuesday night.

Reflecting on the past two months, since she was crowned Cork Rose, Shauna said: “I don’t know where it has gone. It has been a complete whirlwind.”

She has been busy juggling work and her Rose duties, meeting people from all over Cork.

I have really embraced the role, I really have.

As to what highlights there have been these past few weeks, she said one in particular stands out.

“I suppose there has been so many lovely things I got to do, but if I had to pick one, I would have to pick a visit to a local hospital in Fermoy, Fermoy Community Hospital, it was arranged by the staff in there. They made such a fuss of me.

“They brought in someone to play music for me, playing the Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee and Rose Of Tralee, and all the staff and residents had their tiaras, and sashes made, and men had dicky bows and roses, it was a really nice touch.

It was really humbling to walk in there and get that reception from them all. People who it meant so much to, they were really blown away by it all. I really think that was a very special moment for me.

Huge preparation goes into the trip to Tralee, so that has kept her extremely busy the past few weeks.

“A big thing for Tralee is the wardrobe and the hats, that is a big factor. People have an idea of it, but not the extent of what you need to go into it – there is so much preparation that goes into sending a girl to Tralee – I am very lucky that the Cork Rose Centre have been fantastic to me, they have been there for me at every event that I have gone to and helped with sponsorship, I have been very lucky with all the support from Cork businesses.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been going to boutiques, deciding what to wear for what day, and sticking to the wardrobe code as best we can.

Her time has also been filled with the application form for Tralee and doing different media etc

“It has been very busy, I haven’t had a moment to think about it – but I do feel I am in a good place, I am ready to go, I am very excited.”

The tour got underway last Sunday – we chatted before she headed off – and she was really looking forward to stopping off in Charleville last night (Tuesday), adding: “It is great to have a Cork stop for myself.”

Shauna is looking forward to arriving in Kerry, where the Roses will be doing a lot more touring this year, before landing in Tralee.

While she has met some of the Roses already, it will be the first time having all 32 of them together.

It will be great to have us all together and have that experience together.

There is a large Cork representation this year (see page seven) with many of the international Roses from the county, or with Rebel links. Six Cork escorts are also in the mix.

“We have great representation for Cork this year,” said Shauna.

As to what she is looking forward to most this week?

She replies swiftly: “I think going to Tralee, getting the reception from the locals there, meeting the escorts and the parade is a big thing I am hyping up, it is something that myself as a child I loved, the lights and the fireworks – it is going to be a real magical thing. That is the Saturday evening when we arrive in Tralee, all my crowd, my family and friends and supporters will all be there for the parade- that is the part I am most looking forward to.”

Her community is evidently proud.

“The whole community – Araglen are going on tour for the night. They have been so supportive. They had my send off last Friday night. 

There are plenty of banners around the local area. They are all mad to go to Tralee and mad to go to the Dome – so I will have great support on the night.

Looking to her debut on stage, she will only find out on Sunday whether she will feature on Monday or Tuesday.

“We met RTÉ during the week, it is all still being finalised. It is not until Sunday afternoon they tell if you on are on the Sunday or Monday night, or if you have Kathryn (Thomas) or Dáithí (Ó Sé) interviewing you , so it is a last minute thing. That is the most asked question at the moment, what night are you on, and who is your escort! And I don’t know the answer to either.

“But it doesn’t make too much difference to me, we’ll have plenty of run throughs and be well prepared when it comes around.”

Shauna will meet the escorts on Thursday and find out on Friday who she will be assigned – she’s looking forward to that.

Will she perform on the night?

“I am actually only going to be doing the interview. I decided to leave off the party piece, even though I did one at the Cork selection, but I said I don’t think I am up to that standard and I think I would be more comfortable chatting myself. Also, the time you get on stage, is very limited, so I want to be myself.

"But there are lots of Irish dancers, singers, musicians, it is particularly great this year, they never had so many people looking to do party pieces – people will be entertained!”

How are her nerves holding up?

“I am nervous excited is how I would put it. I haven’t thought about it as I have been so busy and the time has flown around, but I do know naturally there will be nerves on the night.

Just be myself, and that is all you can do. Hopefully nerves won’t play too big a factor.

“We met Katerine and Dáithí in the past week and they were lovely, and I think they will very much put us at ease on the night talking to them, so that will make a big difference. And everyone cheering you on and supporting you, it is a great environment to be in really.”

Among the bursting two suitcases will be a very special outfit – the dress for the Dome – but she’s keeping tight-lipped about the colour and design for now. It was sponsored by Phoenix V, and Liza Brennan, owner and designer, has been hugely supportive.

“We designed the dress. I am really happy with it, I probably won’t give too much away now. It is something I am really happy with and I can’t wait to show people on the night.

It was a bit daunting designing a dress from scratch. There is a lot of pressure on the dress – it is why people watch the Rose of Tralee, for the gunas. Phoenix V have been a great sponsor.

Shauna would also like to give a shout-out to the following sponsors: Ellen Martin of Fab Fillies who sponsored her headpieces and accessories. Boutiques who sponsored her were Silk Peaches (Ballincollig), Vanilla Boutique, Hickeys Fashions and Suzsa (Fermoy), Cici Boutique (Clonakility), Itsome (Douglas), Love Cherish (Charleville).

MEET THE OTHER SIX ROSES WITH CORK LINKS

Perth Rose Maria Collins 

“I’m 29 years old, I’m from Coppeen in County Cork and have been living in Australia for over a year now. Having travelled a lot of Australia, Western Australia is by far my favourite state. I’ve met some incredible friends here in Perth and love the outdoorsy lifestyle and beautiful beaches.

I’m passionate about Gaeilge and teach Irish to a beautiful family here in Perth as well as run Irish language events around the city.

“I’m a primary school teacher and love my job. It’s very different to Ireland which has made my work very interesting and varied.

“I have recently started learning AUSLAN (the sign language of the Australian deaf community) and have worked in the School for Deaf children which has been challenging but immensely rewarding.

“I am very excited to be part of the Rose of Tralee. I’ve watched the show every year since I was a little girl so it is a dream come true to be involved. This will be my first time back in Ireland since I left for Australia so I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get to know new people and enjoy all of the upcoming events.” 

Dubai Rose Ciara O’Sullivan 

“I’m 27, and I am delighted to represent Dubai in the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m a secondary school Irish and mathematics teacher from Newmarket, Co. Cork, and I’m currently on career break from St Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow.

“I made the exciting move to Dubai last August to explore new horizons. I’m teaching at Hartland International School, where I’m deputy head of the mathematics department. 

I love socialising, and have a passion for health, wellness and sport.

“As a football player with Club Abhainn Dalla, I was delighted to join Dubai Celts GAA, immersing myself in the Irish community abroad. I enjoy coaching basketball, both in Ireland and now in Dubai. A highlight was leading my school basketball team to All-Ireland success. I aim to foster the same passion for sports among girls in Dubai. As a Gaeilgeoir, my life-long passion for Irish language, music, and culture remains a cornerstone of my identity. Whether it’s through playing the harp, or conversing in Irish, I am dedicated to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and look forward to celebrating our Irish culture even further with the Roses in Tralee.”

Chicago Rose Megan Cahill

 “I’m 29 and honoured to be the 2024 Chicago Rose. I grew up in a large Irish family with four siblings and 41 first cousins, and I developed a strong connection to my Irish heritage at an early age. My Irish roots hail from counties Cork and Clare, and I still have cousins living in Dublin city.

“I hold an undergraduate degree in Finance and a Law degree from the University of Illinois. Currently, I work as an attorney at a financial company in downtown Chicago. 

I was a former competitive Irish dancer and 10-time World Qualifier, which allowed me to travel to Ireland many times. 

"Recently, my travels to Ireland include running the Dublin City Marathon, one of five marathons I’ve completed. I love being active and am an adventurist at heart, enjoying hiking, skiing, surfing, and golfing!

“Being involved in the vibrant Irish culture in Chicago is a passion of mine. I’m on the board of The Young Irish Fellowship Club, volunteer at Old St Patrick’s Church, and am a member of the 2023 and 2024 Chicago St Patrick’s Day Queen’s Court. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and will cherish it forever!” 

Florida Rose Molly Ronan 

“I am a 24-year-old Florida native hailing from Ponte Vedra Beach. As someone who has a keen interest in people and different cultures, I graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Being proud of my Irish heritage, I have always celebrated my roots in every way I can. I was a champion Irish Dancer and the 2022 senior Mid-Atlantic Fleadh champion on flute, tin whistle, and harp.

“I currently work as a first-grade assistant and substitute teacher at St Paul’s Catholic School as well as a freelance wedding and event harpist. Music is a big part of my life and I always seek to give back to my community by playing at assisted living facilities, churches, schools, and charity functions.” 

Molly has links in Cork city and around the Galtee Mountains.

New York Rose Billie Cooper 

“I am 25 years old. I hail from Cavan, but I’ve been so lucky to call many places home throughout my life. I grew up in Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan, with my twin sister, Lucy, and younger brother, Kenneth. My mother, Thérèse, was raised just down the road in Killeshandra, and my father, Patrick, is from Cork.

I spent several years living in Singapore and China where the Irish communities were so vibrant that even halfway around the world, I never felt too far from home. There, I learned how to Irish dance and play Gaelic and Rugby.

"As a teenager, my family relocated to the states, and I’ve since lived in Michigan, Chicago, Boston, and New York! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston University and I’m currently getting my Masters in Social Work at Columbia University. I’ve been working in the mental and behavioural health field for just over three years now!” 

San Francisco Rose Maggie Baglin.

“ I am a 23-year-old, born and raised San Franciscan. I am very proud of my Irish heritage, San Francisco nativism, and Catholic faith, as they formed who I am today.

At ten years old, I traded in my soft shoes and picked up the highland bagpipes. I am a proud member of the Irish Pipers Band of San Francisco, who taught me to play.

“This year, I became my parish’s Youth Minister and formed a group for young Catholic teenagers. We brought back Sandwiches for the Hungry, where I collect monthly sandwich donations to take to a shelter that feeds those in need.

I work as a Registered Behaviour Therapist, supporting special needs children with their language, communication, and basic living skills. I am also a Program Manager, providing supervision to therapists and family adaptive behaviour treatment guidance to parents. I am finishing up my last year of graduate school for my Masters in Special Education. In my free time, I enjoy running, baking, playing music, and spending time with family and friends.” 

Maggie has links to Gurranabraher and Glanmire.