From St. Patrick’s Day parades in the US to graduating with honours in Christchurch, Keely O’Grady reflects on a whirlwind chapter of sash handovers, global adventures, and preparing to walk the Camino for Cliona’s Foundation
It’s hard to comprehend that this is my third newsletter already… Somehow, it’s already May, and I feel like I’ve barely blinked since I last sat down to write to you. The whirlwind hasn’t slowed down, and truly neither have I! From St. Patrick’s Day parades in the States, emotional farewells to my fellow Roses, joyful welcomes with the new girls in the class of 2025 to new adventures across Aotearoa, Ireland, and everywhere in between, life as the International Rose has continued to be every bit as magical and chaotic as you’d expect – and then some.
Let’s start with St. Paddy’s! I had the absolute honour of representing the Rose of Tralee in Chicago and New York for the iconic St. Patrick’s Day parades alongside around fifty of the 2024 Roses and Rose Escorts who travelled from all across the world. I had the most surreal moment standing riverside in Chicago, watching the river flow a neon, shamrock green beneath the Chicago skyline – the whole city was dressed up to celebrate Ireland with the atmosphere being absolutely electric. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people in one place at any other point in my life. We also attended an NBA game, took a boat tour down the Chicago River and witnessed the notorious “Bean” up close.
Walking down Fifth Avenue in New York with my fellow Roses and Rose Escorts was unforgettable – especially after attending a beautiful breakfast with the Mayor of New York, followed by a breathtaking mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I somehow managed to visit more Irish pubs in America than I think I’ve seen in Ireland itself. Americans really do love Irish people. Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty (from a significant distance) were all ticked off the bucket list.
We then went full-country-girl in Nashville, living out all of my tourist dreams – cowboy boots, line dancing, hot chicken, country music, you name it. To think that, until this year, I had never holidayed in America – and now being so privileged to tick off five amazing states during my travels. I know I sound like a broken record, but a year ago I would just never have believed what I have been able to do.
From the honky-tonk to home, I flew straight back to New Zealand. I spent precious time with family and friends, starting at home in Auckland with an event at my local Auckland Irish Society, where I was invited to speak about my experience, dance (of course), and meet a wonderful crew of past New Zealand Roses. I will never take for granted the extent to which this community of women reaches, it is truly so special to have women from around the globe who all share something so special as the essence of being a Rose. I also turned 22 while at home in the most special way – surrounded by my girls with a heart full of gratitude and prosecco in hand. Then it was off to Taranaki, where I was generously hosted by the fabulous NZ Rose Centre. I was taken on a tour of Taranaki and connected with the Irish community there at a Quiz Night and Meet and Greet.
This was followed by a trip to Christchurch to officially graduate with a Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with First Class Honours! It was surreal to be in my gown and cap after such a full-on final year, and even more surreal to be doing it all as Rose of Tralee. I never got to fully celebrate and acknowledge the fact I had completed my degree back in October as I fled back to Ireland almost immediately after finishing my final placement, so it was lovely to finally celebrate that with my friends, family and classmates.
I’ve truly loved exploring every avenue that speech and language therapy has to offer through this degree and although I’m taking a year off from entering the workforce to focus on my role as the Rose of Tralee, I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in the future as a speech-language pathologist.
Rose Selection season has been well and truly in full swing, with many farewells, welcomes, and adventures alongside. Arriving back from New Zealand, I immediately left Dublin to get to Tyrone for the Tyrone selection. I’ve also attended the Longford, Laois, Offaly, Kerry, London and Limerick selections – every one of them a celebration of community, culture, and connection. I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to get around the country to attend so many Irish Rose Selections, which is all thanks to Kia Ireland and the beautiful Kia Niro they have sponsored me with.
The amount of girls’ weekends and road trips I’ve managed to take using it seems to be neverending — I’ve most definitely racked up miles upon miles. I do not envy the job of the judges in the slightest. Each girl and contestant is so unique, strong, and wonderful. It is such a privilege to be welcomed into each selection and group of amazing girls.
It is so special and it’s an honour to take the stage and share with everyone my story, experience and opportunities gained within this role. One of the most emotional moments of the year was attending the Kerry Rose Selection where my number one supporter and friend Emer Dineen, the 2024 Kerry Rose, handed over her sash. Cue the tissues. Emer has been the biggest part of my support system this year as the Rose of Tralee. She’s full of joy, spirit, kindness, and love and I am so grateful that the Rose of Tralee festival brought us together. She embodies the core of what it means to be a Rose, going above and beyond for the Festival, the community of Kerry, and countless charities and causes. I am forever grateful to have made the most wonderful lifelong friend. It’s bittersweet to see my friends handing over their titles, however I am almost too excited and proud of the current class of girls that have been selected and I cannot wait to join them on tour this year as the Festival continues to add more wonderful Rose sisters to our lovely Rose family.
As the International Rose of Tralee, it’s so special to attend events that are so far from home but that integrate and celebrate my cultures. I was honoured to be invited and serve as the keynote speaker at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Dublin, hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Embassies. The New Zealand embassy has become another special community for me while here in Ireland so I must thank H.E. Sir Trevor Mallard, Ambassador of NZ to Ireland, for his guidance and support throughout this year. Let us remember and honour the service of the soldiers of Australia, New Zealand, and beyond as well as acknowledge their bravery, their courage, and their legacy as we carry their memory forward.
So, what’s next?? Now I’m getting ready to hop back to New Zealand for our 2025 Rose Selection, where I’ll have the emotional task of handing over my New Zealand sash. It’s hard to put into words just how transformative this past year has been.
From the moment I was selected as the 2024 New Zealand Rose, to standing on stage in Tralee and hearing my name called as the 2024 International Rose of Tralee, this journey has taken me on the most extraordinary ride of my life. And now, as I prepare to hand over my title as the New Zealand Rose, I’m filled with immense gratitude, pride, and a touch of disbelief at everything that’s unfolded. I can’t wait to meet the amazing wāhine stepping into this magical journey.
On my return from New Zealand I’ll be heading straight back to Tralee for a couple of days to meet all the Rose Escorts and ensure that they are ready for their incredible year ahead. I’m quite tough to impress and my standards are high, so the Rose Escorts will have their work cut out for them! This will be taking place at the wonderful Meadowlands Hotel, a true second home for me and a place I have been so lucky to be welcomed into throughout the year.
I’m also beginning to fundraise for Cliona’s Foundation who I will be walking the Camino de Santiago for later this year, as well as plans of a possible skydive (yikes). I’m so honoured to be MCing their Summer Soirée in July, so the fun (and nerves) continue. Cliona’s Foundation is an Irish charity that provides financial assistance to families of children with life-limiting or chronic complex care needs. It was established in 2007 by Brendan and Terry Ring after the death of their daughter Cliona from an inoperable brain tumour. Unlike many organisations that focus on medical expenses, Cliona’s Foundation uniquely supports families by covering non-medical costs. These can include travel, accommodation near hospitals, food, utility bills, childcare, and even funeral expenses.
The foundation believes that no family should endure financial hardship while caring for a seriously ill child. Since its inception, Cliona’s Foundation has raised over €4.5 million, assisting more than 1,500 families across all 31 counties in Ireland. If you would like to support me and Cliona’s, you can find my donation link on my social media pages. Any little bit helps and can go a long way to improving the lives of people who desperately need it.
Finally, before the Festival, we have our last Selection to complete the 2025 class – Germany, here I come! I can’t wait to join the Germany Rose Centre in selecting our final Rose to complete the 2025 class and hopefully get a bit of travel and European summer checked off my bucket list while I’m there!
To say this year has been a dream feels like an understatement. It’s been wild, wonderful, and woven with so many once-in-a-lifetime moments. Thank you for being part of this journey – your love and support continues to carry me.
Until next time,
Keely x
Your 2024 International Rose of Tralee
