Cavan Rose hopefuls: The pick of the bunch
The selection night for the Cavan rose is set to take place this Friday evening, June 15, in the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan. The following eleven ladies have been nominated to contest for the title of Cavan Rose and the chance to vie for the Rose of Tralee crown for 2018 at the international festival in Kerry this August. Here we profile the Cavan hopefuls...
Rachael Conlon
Age:20
From: Mullagh
Sponsor: Best O’ Matz
Rachael is going into her fourth year of college in IT Sligo studying Early Childhood Care and Education. She plans to further her degree to become a primary school teacher. "I work part time in a child’s play centre. I am also a volunteer leader with the Irish Girl Guides, whose tag line is “giving girls confidence”, for the last three years, working at both local and national level. This has given me amazing opportunities of independence and travel throughout these years.
"I’ve always dreamed of becoming the Cavan Rose since I was about 10 years old, when my parents brought me to the Rose of Tralee Festival. It would be an honor to represent my county and my family at an international level."
Rachel Cusack
Age: 25
From: Killinkere
Sponsor: Matthews Bar Virginia
Rachel currently works in the Galway Clinic as a nurse specialising in Oncology. "I made the move to Galway last year after returning home from Oz to work in the job I love but I'll always be a Cavan girl! I have played Gaelic for years for Killinkere ladies and enjoy running."
Her mum is a Kerry woman and her dad a true Cavanman. Rachel also has two younger brothers. "As a little girl I always watched the rose of Tralee with my mam every year and dreamt of being on that stage representing my home county one day."
Amie Lisa Fitzsimons
Age: 25
From: Cavan
Sponsor: The Kesh Bar Cavan
Athlone native Amie is a qualified social care worker and living in the lovely Cavan Town for nearly three years now. Hearing the Cavan accent from her partner Gavin surely won her heart over, which led to her big move to Cavan and she hasn't looked back since!. She is currently working in Monaghan for Camphill Community's Disability services and believes that going to work every day is not just her job; it's a passion that brings so much joy to her life. Her interests include travelling, music, and spending time with friends and family. "I was absolutely honoured to be nominated for the Cavan Rose of Tralee and so thrilled to be given such a fantastic opportunity to meet some lovely people and make new friendships. My grandfather was a true Cavan man and I'm sure this would make him proud!"
Briana Harton
Age: 25
From: Mullahoran
Sponsor: Amatino Partners
Mullahoran native Briana works as a customer assistant for Lidl Ireland in Mullingar. Her interests include spending time with her family, shopping and travelling when she gets the chance. "When I got a call to ask if I would be interested in taking part in the Cavan Rose, I was delighted. I would be proud to be selected as the Cavan rose to represent my home county in Tralee."
Name: Shannon Maguire
Age: 20
From: Denn
Sponsor: Cavan Crystal Hotel
Shannon has just completed her first year in Cavan Institute studying a sport therapy/physiotherapy studies Degree. Her interests and hobbies include travelling, drawing and sport. "I always had a great love and passion for camoige and football. I started at a young age with school, then with my club Crosserlough. I have won many achievements and awards such as I have played for county Cavan Camoige from U14 to junior and the county football team for three years. I have won numerous medals with football, camoige and athletics. I would be honoured to represent my county and parish at the Rose of Tralee. This would be amazing experience for me and I can’t wait."
Sandra McGovern
Age:21
From: Glangevlin
Sponsor: Macnean House and Restaurant
Sandra works as a childcare assistant in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim. She has completed a childcare degree in Sligo IT and is currently continuing her studies online. Her interests include travelling, spending time with her family and friends and music. Sandra has a great passion for music, she plays the button accordion and tin whistle.
"I entered to become the Cavan Rose as I feel it will be a great opportunity to meet new people, form lifelong friendships and to hopefully create awareness of the 'Stand with Glan' campaign to save our school and showcase Glangevlin as a beautiful safe place for new families to live. Representing County Cavan and my parish at an international competition like the Rose of Tralee would be a great honour."
Katie Oates
Age: 19
From: Kingscourt
Sponsor: Delicious Coffee House & Deli
Kingscourt native Katie Oates is a third year student in DCU St Patrick's college where she is studying to be a primary school teacher. She is a GAA fanatic and loves getting involved in all aspects of the sport from playing with Kingscourt Stars Senior Ladies to coaching children at home and students in her university. Katie also has a great interest in music and socialising with friends. She works part time in the local deli 'Delicious' and admits that she loves her job as she gets to chat away to people all day long. “I decided to enter the Rose of Tralee this summer as I think it will be a great experience to make life-long memories and meet new friends. I would be honoured to represent my town and my county at this renowned international festival, one that I have watched since I was a child.”
Amy O’Reilly
Age: 20
From: Crosserlough
Sponsor: Sports Direct Cavan
Studying English and Psychology in Maynooth University, Amy has aspirations of becoming a special education teacher. "I have been involved with many charity events and have been volunteering with C.A.P.S. [Cavan Autism Parents Support Group] since I was sixteen, which has greatly influenced my choice of career path. My main interests include Irish music, travelling and socialising with my friends. I am lead vocalist and play the bodhran in local band, Mad4Trad. I am delighted to be nominated for the Cavan Rose as it's an experience I’ve always wanted to be a part of. To be picked to represent Cavan in the Rose of Tralee would be a huge honour and a once in a lifetime experience for me."
Natasha Reilly
Age: 26
From: Laragh
Sponsor: Carroll engineering
After receiving an honours degree in Adult nursing in Liverpool, Natasha remained there to work for just under a year before moving home to work in Enniskillen in The South West Acute Hospital. "There I worked for just under three years learning so much and becoming a dementia champion. I've recently moved job closer to home in Cavan General where I'm working on a medical ward.
"For the last 13 or so years, I have been involved in the local variety show in Laragh either taking part of helping out with the camogie act. I would say I'm a sociable person who likes to spend time with family, friends and enjoy time away weekends and holidays whenever I can. I am very nervous but excited to be invited to take part in the Cavan Rose selection. It's such a great opportunity to meet new people and wish the rest of the girls the best of luck."
Amy Shiels
Age: 25
From: Mullahoran
Sponsor: The Imperial Bar Cavan
Living in Drogheda, Co Louth, Amy completed a Double Honours Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Business in the NUI Maynooth before progressing on to complete a Masters in Marketing in DCU. Currently, she is working as a manager for Europcar at Dublin Airport. In her free time, Amy enjoys attending football games as she played for any years at both under age and senior level. She also enjoys running and has ran in numerous events to help raise money for local and well-known charities.
“I was overwhelmed and astonished to be nominated for the Cavan Rose. I felt it would be a life-changing experience and fantastic opportunity to meet some amazing ladies from all over the county. If I was lucky enough to become the Cavan Rose, I would be incredibly honoured to represent my family, parish and county at such a remarkable and prestigious event."
Eileen Tierney
Age: 23
From: Bailieborough
Sponsor: Univet
Ellen has worked in Univet, Cootehill, as a stock control analyst for the past few years. She enjoys GAA, swimming and meeting new people, which is one of her main reasons for entering this renowned competition.
"It would be an absolute honour to represent County Cavan where I was born and reared in this prestigious event. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, make new memories and embrace an experience of a lifetime."