‘Take this as your sign to go for it’: Search for 2025 Cork Rose begins

The search for this year’s Cork Rose, who will represent the county at the International Rose of Tralee Festival this August, has commenced.

The 2024 Cork Rose, Shauna O’Sullivan, launched this year’s search at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

She was joined by Steve Cox, Sales & Marketing Manager at Rochestown Park Hotel, and Cork Rose Centre Coordinators Katie Connolly and Heather Mulcahy.

The Cork Rose Centre is inviting young women across Cork city and county to consider applying to represent the Rebel County at the International Rose of Tralee Festival.

The Cork Rose will be selected at an event on June 1.

Prior to the selection, entrants will enjoy several days out including a Rose tour around some of Cork’s finest establishments and landmarks in the run-up to the event.

Speaking at the launch, Shauna said representing Cork has been a privilege.

“What a surreal and exciting time to be here, officially launching the search for the 2025 Cork Rose.

“While it might sound clichéd, applying to be the Cork Rose has been the best decision I have ever made, and it’s fair to say I haven’t looked back!

“Representing the Cork Rose Centre, our county, and our people and businesses has been an absolute privilege - without their support, none of this would have been possible.

“Participating in the Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can confirm it is so much more than a week in Tralee or what you see on television. My Rose experience has not only helped me grow in confidence but the friendships I have made with my fellow Roses and Rose Escorts have been amazing”.

The woman chosen to represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival will enjoy a wonderful fortnight in August, beginning with the Rose Tour and culminating with her live interview on RTÉ.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place this year from Friday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 19.

Those interested in applying for the Cork Rose selection can apply by visiting https://roseoftralee.ie/apply-to-be-a-rose/.

The Cork Rose Centre will be hosting an online webinar on Tuesday, March 25.

You can meet the Cork Rose Team at an information session in Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday, April 4.

“To anyone who has ever toyed with the idea of applying to be a Rose, take this as your sign to go for it! Stop waiting for the ‘right time’ because it doesn’t exist. Apply today - it is my personal promise that you won’t regret it,” said Shauna.