A year ago, I stood on stage, shock on my face hearing “representing New Zealand…” and my soul left my body. Pulled into a group hug (more like a rugby scrum), I was surrounded by so much love from my Rose sisters, and I truly couldn’t believe I was the next International Rose of Tralee.
Just one year earlier, I had no idea what the Rose of Tralee was even really about.
During my interview, Dáithí Ó Sé asked what I meant when I naively joked with him on my first day, telling him “The Rose of Tralee just so isn’t me.” From the outside looking in, the Festival had once appeared to me as it does to those who criticise it: a two-night television segment, a parade of sparkles and smiles, full of “lovely girls” saying “lovely things”. I honestly didn’t think I belonged in that world. But stepping into this role changed that perspective completely.
Not only is the Rose of Tralee something that is celebrated all year-round, but it’s also so much more than meets the eye.
I can’t remember a time I was described as “lovely”, but I have been described as passionate, strong, loud, loyal, funny, outspoken, fierce, a true friend, an advocate, and unapologetically authentic.
Every single day I spent as the Rose of Tralee, I learned more about the Festival, what it encompasses and I fell deeper in love with it. The truth is, the Rose of Tralee absolutely is me. It’s connection. It’s community. It’s celebrating the full spectrum of what it means to be a real, modern Irish woman, and uplifting us wherever in the world we may be.
I couldn’t have imagined how deeply this journey would shape my identity, my connection to Ireland and family and the trajectory of my life at just twenty-one years old.
This has been the most extraordinary ride of my life, pushing me well outside my comfort zone. I’ve spoken on live television to audiences of over a million people, danced in front of thousands and been asked to show up as myself – fully. I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible: in confidence, in conviction and in knowing the value of my voice. And now, as I prepare to hand over my title, I’m filled with immense gratitude, pride, and a touch of disbelief at everything that’s unfolded.
As someone with strong ties to both my Irish and Aotearoa roots, it has meant the world to carry my whakapapa into spaces where Irish and Kiwi spirit intertwine so beautifully.
Growing up in Aotearoa, I was always so proud to be Irish. I remember being six years old, proudly announcing to anyone who would listen that I was fifty percent Irish, that I had two passports, twelve cousins, eight aunties and uncles and a granny and grandad all the way across the world. I treasure the long car rides where we sang The Wolfe Tones, U2, and The Cranberries. I vividly remember attending the 2011 Rugby World Cup Ireland vs Wales Quarter-Final and singing Irelands Call in a crowded stadium. My life has revolved around Irish dancing since I was five and I hold a special place in my heart for the sport and the art form.
Living in Ireland this past year has been so special. It’s allowed me to connect with the part of my identity I’ve celebrated from afar for so long and more importantly, to get to know my family not just as relatives, but as people.
From the hills of Kerry to the streets of New York, the Rose sash has carried me across oceans, cultures and communities, creating memories I’ll cherish for life.
I attended the Munster vs All Blacks game in Limerick and joined Te Waka Aumihi Waiata Roopu, a wonderful singing group at the New Zealand Embassy that brings together Kiwis from all walks of life. It’s been incredibly special to have that connection to home, and we performed together at Matariki, Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day, where I was honoured to be keynote speaker on behalf of the Embassy.
Of all the places I visited, schools were among my favourite. These children are our future and I adored answering their (often hilarious) questions and being bombarded with hugs.
I opened the Frankfurt Christmas Markets, visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona, went country dancing in Texas, visited the Texas State Capitol, saw the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and sat on a Texas Longhorn. I travelled to New York, Chicago, Nashville, London and made the round trip to New Zealand three times, and somehow walked over 130 kilometres in Spain for charity!
Charity and community work have been the heart of my journey. I’ve always believed that if you’re given a platform, you should use it to lift others up. Whether pouring tea with COPE Galway’s Community Catering, raising awareness for the Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre or Kerry Hospice, cuddling puppies with Irish Guide Dogs, or supporting the Ronald McDonald House, each moment reminded me of the real, tangible impact the Rose of Tralee can have. This role has connected me with so many organisations doing vital work that often goes unnoticed, but is completely life-changing for those on the receiving end. I’ve felt deeply honoured to play even a small part in supporting their missions and It has been such a pleasure to meet so many kind-hearted, passionate and inspiring individuals and teams who devote their lives to such exceptional causes.
One of the most humbling experiences was joining a humanitarian trip to Poland with Chernobyl Children International (CCI) and the Happy Kids Foundation. We played games, coloured, danced, and simply showed up for children in Ukrainian orphanages displaced by war. Their joy and resilience in the face of adversity was unforgettable. Our group raised over €90,000 worth of financial and humanitarian aid, and I’m so grateful to every person who supported us.
Another unforgettable experience: walking 120km of the Camino de Santiago and skydiving alongside the Cork and Leitrim Roses in support of Cliona’s Foundation, which supports families of children with life-limiting conditions. Their mission, to ease the financial burden of non-medical costs, is close to my heart and being an ambassador was a privilege.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago and New York was surreal. We marched down Fifth Avenue with over 50 Roses and Rose Escorts and watching the Chicago River turn neon green.The pride in Irish identity around the world is powerful and moving.
I returned home briefly to New Zealand to graduate with First Class Honours in Speech and Language Pathology, a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. I look forward to beginning my career as a speech therapist soon.
Other highlights include attending Rose selections across Ireland, London, Germany and New Zealand to hand over my title and welcome new Rose sisters.
I attended the All Irelands and World Irish Dancing Championships, where I presented awards and even chatted with Michael Flatley himself.
One of the most stand out events was the reunion of former International Roses. These women are all so uniquely inspiring and I’m so honoured to now be part of that legacy. It’s incredible to see how the Festival has impacted these ladies and how it continues to resonate with them all throughout their lives.
Beyond the big moments, it’s the connections and friendships that have left the deepest impact. This experience has given me lifelong friendships and an incredible sisterhood.
To everyone who encouraged me, from the very first nervous chats about applying to this whirlwind of a year – thank you. I’ve been surrounded by fierce cheerleading, love and support. If I started naming names, the list would stretch from Dublin to New Zealand!
To the O’Garas, Anthony and Oonagh, thank you for your love and dedication to the Festival and for welcoming me with open arms.
To Suzan O’Gara, Festival Director and the quiet mastermind behind the scenes: thank you for being the ultimate cards opponent, for your care and for helping me achieve everything this year.
To Steve Cronly, the target of my mission to keep you constantly busy/entertained, thank you for being a second dad, a safe space and for making this year such a joy. I know you’ll miss my array of texts including: “I hate the M50”, “Slay king”, “Do you want to go skydiving with me”, “Do you have a private jet spare I missed my flight”, “#missyou”, “I can’t wait to go to Obama Plaza”, “My tyre popped” and “I just got a tattoo”. This next girl should be a breeze!
To Honor, Cathal, Lyn, the entire Festival Team, centre coordinators, chaperones, volunteers, you’re the heartbeat of this event. Thank you for creating the magic.
To the Meadowlands, especially Heather, Siobhán and Bríd — thank you for your endless hospitality and kindness. You’re my home away from home and I’ll miss breakfast time very much.
Thank you to Kia Ireland and the trusty Kia Niro Hybrid, which brought me on countless adventures and girls trips, gaining quite a few extra kilometres along the way!
To Kelsi Wallace, your warmth and grace as the 2023 New Zealand Rose set such an incredible standard. Thank you for your pride, mana and heart in representation of our country that inspired me so much. You led by example and made me feel so supported from the very beginning. Throughout my journey you have been a constant source of support.
To Roisin Wiley, thank you for guiding me with such kindness and for answering every single one of my questions. You made my transition into this world (your world) so much easier.
To the 2024 Roses and Rose Escorts — thank you for your support, laughter and friendship. What an incredible group of strong, intelligent, beautiful humans. I’ll carry you group of girls with me forever.
And finally, to my village; Mum, Nan, Kerri-June, Dad, Laura and my beautiful friends, thank you. Your love and support from across the world held me every step of the way.
Mum, thank you for being my rock, my role model, and my number one fan in everything I do. You’ve reminded me who I am every step of the way, and I’ve carried your love with me through every moment on this year.
To Aunty Emer and Uncle Dan – thank you for housing and supporting me this year in the now-officially titled “Rose Room.” Thank you for everything.
Granny Marie, thank you for every check-in, every cup of tea and every delicious pastry. I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had with you and our Irish family.
To this year’s incredible group of Roses, what a journey you’ve already had. Congratulations and welcome to this wild, wonderful family. Just by being here, you’ve already achieved something remarkable. It takes courage to share your story and step into something bigger than yourself.
To the next International Rose of Tralee: Say yes to everything. Be unapologetically you, and make the Rose of Tralee your own. Laugh loud, sing louder, wear your heart on your sleeve and support your fellow Roses with everything you’ve got. The magic is in the sisterhood, the stories you create and the sense of belonging you’ll carry wherever life takes you next.
Thank you, Aotearoa.
Thank you, Ireland.
I’m so thankful to have two incredibly beautiful places to call home.
Thank you to the Rose communities all around the world, from Texas to Frankfurt, Lovely Leitrim to the Kingdom of Kerry.
I’ll never forget where my journey began or the kindness I was showered with along the way.
I hope I’ve made you proud.
With all my love and gratitude, le grá, and ngā mihi nui.
For the last time, signing off as your International Rose of Tralee.
Keely x
