Outgoing Cork Rose: ‘This year has been so unexpected’

“It sounds cringey, but making so many fabulous, female friends has been a highlight of my year as Cork Rose.”

That’s according to the current title holder Nancy Lehane, who is preparing to hand over her coveted sash to this year’s Cork Rose at the end of May.

From Meelin, a small village on the Cork border with Kerry and Limerick, and only 50 minutes from the Rose heartland of Tralee, Nancy has four brothers – she’s the second eldest.

Forging so many firm friendships was something she never expected from being Cork Rose.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a ‘girly girl’ and sometimes I’d say I get on better with boys, but making so many female friends has been such a bonus of the year,” she said.

“I know you always hear people say this about the festival and it sounds really cringey, but it’s so true. We’re in contact with each other every day and I know I’ve friends for life.”

Her year as Cork Rose has been “really fantastic and one that’s given me so many opportunities that I’d never otherwise have had”.

But far from being sad at the thought of handing over her sash, she’s ready for the incoming Rose to take over and do her thing.

“The title of being Cork Rose 2025 will always stay with me but I’m happy to be handing over my sash on May 30 and to give the next girl the same chance,” said the 22-year-old.

Nancy’s year has been punctuated with so many highlights, but hard to top, she said, was where it all started – the night she won the title which propelled her on a journey she never expected.

“It genuinely was a huge shock to hear my name called out – it was honestly the last thing I had been expecting,” she said.

The primary school teacher travelled with her fellow Roses to the U.S for a fortnight in March, taking in Boston, New York, and Nashville, which was another unforgettable experience.

She had been working in Newmarket NS until Christmas and not being tied to a schedule in recent months gave her great flexibility to embrace every opportunity that came her way.

And that’s exactly what she did, even on the rare occasion it felt a just a little bit overwhelming.

“There were some days when you’d feel really confident, and then others when you might be shaking before going to an event! I suppose it took me a little while to associate myself as Cork Rose, so there was a bit of imposter syndrome going on alright at the beginning. Then I saw how much joy the title brings to people around the place, particularly in my own community, and even from simple things like a visit to a nursing home, so it was that joy I focused on, that and just being myself.”

Nancy plays the guitar, tin whistle, concertina and piano. She sings at weddings, communions, and gigs, is part of her local drama group and choir – and she took to the stage at many of her Rose gigs to help entertain, which always went down well.

She also plays football, full-forward, with St Peter’s club and even though she’s ‘half injured’ she’s looking forward to the season ahead.

With more free time coming her way, what’s next on her radar?

“I’ve honestly no plan. This year has been so unexpected, with so many life-changing opportunities, none of which was planned. It just shows you never know what’s going to happen next and you have to be open for that,” she said.

However, one commitment she has to fulfil is a holiday with her boyfriend of four years.

“JJ has warned me not to apply for anything this summer as we haven’t had a holiday together for the past three years!” she laughed.

They had to cancel a visit to Malta last summer when she won Cork Rose so that destination is currently top of their wish list!

Her advice to this year’s Cork Rose is to ‘make it your own’.

“I was so different to the previous Rose Shauna O’Sullivan and that’s the beauty of the competition, that we can all be so different and there’s no pressure to be anyone but yourself.

“Sometimes, you might get the impression that to be part of the festival you all have to be really ladylike, stand in a certain way and dress in a particular way, but when you’re actually part of it you realise how diversity is really embraced.”

She also stressed how much of an honour it is to represent Cork.

“Don’t take it lightly, focus on the joy it brings to others and remember to be true to yourself.”