Meet the 2024 Kerry Rose contenders

15 women from all corners of the county are vying for the title of the Kerry Rose and this Friday night, May 17, one will be chosen as 2024 Kerry Rose. For the past few weeks the woman have been busy at events across Kerry including this weekend at the Kingdom County Fair and the Killarney Races.

Last year’s Kerry Rose was Kelsey Lang McCarthy who was selected as a Kerry Rose contender from the Skellig Rose Community Selection night and went on to represent the Kingdom at the International Festival, an experience she will never forget.

Amanda O’Sullivan (22)

This year’s Skellig Community Rose is Amanda O’Sullivan (22) who is from Dromid, near the scenic coastal village of Waterville. She is a 4th Year Bachelor of Education student in Mary Immaculate College and is set to graduate next October. She works part-time as waitress in the Lobster Bar.

Alanna Starnes (22)

She is joined by another South Kerry Rose Alanna Starnes (22) who is a proud native of Laois who found her heart in the beauty of The Kingdom and now calls Kenmare home. She leads as Front Office Manager in Sheen Falls Lodge.

Aoibhe Joy (21)

Aoibhe Joy (21) is a vivacious young woman hailing from Ballybunion. She is completing her undergraduate studies in UCC and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Play Therapy. She works at Aras Mhuire Nursing Home.

Grace Kearney (25)

Another Kerry Rose contender from North Kerry is Grace Kearney (25) who is from Ballyduff. As one of six children, Grace grew up in a lively farming household. She is a Home Economics and Religious Education teacher in St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion.

Iminathi Siphungu (18)

The youngest Rose this year is Iminathi Siphungu (18) who was born in South Africa and is living in Listowel. A full-time student, Iminathi is in 6th Year in Presentation Secondary School, Listowel. She is currently studying for her Leaving Cert exams and hopes to become a solicitor in the future.

Nicole O’Connor (28)

Also from Listowel is Nicole O’Connor (28). For the past four years she has worked in Aldi, Listowel, where her career has progressed significantly becoming deputy store manager within her first two years.

Aoife O’Sullivan (25)

Aoife O’Sullivan (25) is a primary school teacher hailing from the picturesque parish of Churchill. Aoife has a huge interest in sport, both as a participant and a spectator, and is a member of the Abbeydorney Ladies Football team as well as the Cillard Camogie team.

Claudia Ward (23)

A native of Tralee, Claudia Ward (23) holds a degree in Microbiology from UCC and is completing her second degree in Quality Management Systems with Data Analytics at MTU this year. Returning to Tralee after university to work at Kerry Dairy Ireland, the Rose of Tralee Festival has always been a cherished part of her life.

Lorraine Lawlor (26)

Another Tralee representative is Lorraine Lawlor (26). She graduated from the Munster Technological University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Management. Lorraine is currently working in The Bank Of Ireland as a Mortgage Services Specialist.

Debora Canty (21)

Debora Canty (21) resides in Causeway, next to the stunning Meenogahane. Debora recently finished her fourth year at MTU studying Social Care and has received a Social Care Ireland Award. Debora now works in the Family Resource Centre in the lovely Ballyheigue and a Children’s Residential Centre.

Shauna Dineen (22)

Also from Causeway is Shauna Dineen (22) who is an English and Geography teacher. She qualified in 2023 and has been teaching in Cork City ever since. She loves to share her knowledge of both subjects with her students and is very passionate about guiding them toward their full potential.

Emer Dineen (23)

Another Kerry Rose contender also from North Kerry is Emer Dineen (23) who is from charming Castlegregory. Having graduated University College Dublin, Emer is now a paediatric radiographer based in Temple Street hospital, covering both Tallaght and Connolly’s paediatric wings.

Emma Browne (20)

Emma Browne (20) is living in Scartaglin. She graduated from Kerry College of Beauty in 2023 with an ITEC and CIBTAC qualification. Emma is currently working in Marion’s Beauty Salon, Castleisland, as a full time beautician.

Katrina Galvin (29)

Katrina Galvin (29) from London has strong Irish roots between Milltown in Kerry, Cork and Wexford. She has a BA Hons. in Voice and Dance from University Limerick and professional dance training from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London. Katrina is a qualified ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and is also a classical soprano.

Sarah Ní Chualáin (20)

Representing West Kerry is Sarah Ní Chualáin (20) from Ballyferriter is currently studying Speech and Language Therapy in University of Galway. Currently, she plays basketball in Galway and football at home.