In a dazzling display of poise, passion, and community pride, 25-year-old Laura Daly has been named this year’s Kerry Rose, earning her place to represent the Kingdom in the prestigious Rose of Tralee International Festival later this year. The announcement came at the end of a thrilling evening at the selection night held in the Gleneagle INEC Arena, where friends, family, and supporters packed the venue to cheer on the 18 remarkable women competing for the honour.

Laura, a native of Killarney, captured hearts not only with her radiant presence but with her heartfelt message about local identity, resilience, and the importance of giving back. A strong advocate for mental health awareness and a proud volunteer in her community, she impressed judges and attendees with her sincerity, wit, and confidence.

“It’s surreal,” Laura said after receiving the sash and bouquet. “Standing up there tonight, I saw so many incredible women beside me — I’m proud to be part of that sisterhood. Representing Kerry is something I don’t take lightly. I want to showcase the kindness, strength, and humour we’re known for.”

The evening was a vibrant celebration of Kerry’s culture, energy, and the spirit of its women. Each contestant brought something unique to the stage — from storytelling and song to traditional Irish dance and tales of community work. The atmosphere was electric, blending pride with a strong sense of togetherness.

MC on the night kept the crowd engaged, weaving humour and heartfelt commentary as he introduced each of the Rose hopefuls. Friends and family waved handmade banners and wore colour-coded t-shirts in support of their favourites, adding to the carnival-like feel of the night.

What set Laura apart, many agreed, was her authenticity. “She’s the real deal,” said one audience member. “Down-to-earth, but powerful. You could feel the room shift when she spoke.” Another supporter commented: “She didn’t try to impress anyone — she just spoke from the heart. That’s what Kerry is all about.”

A primary school teacher by profession, Laura also spoke about the importance of empowering young girls and fostering self-belief from an early age. She described how she encourages her students to embrace their individuality and be proud of their voices.

“I want them to see that being kind and being strong are not opposites — they go hand in hand,” she said during her on-stage interview.

The judges, who deliberated for over an hour after the formal segment, highlighted the high calibre of this year’s participants. One judge shared afterwards: “This wasn’t an easy decision. The talent, the stories, the spirit — it was all incredible. But Laura stood out because she didn’t try to be anyone but herself.”

Fashion was another highlight of the night. The style ranged from timeless elegance to bold modern looks, with each contestant expressing their individuality through their wardrobe choices. Laura wore a deep emerald gown with subtle embellishments, a nod to the Kerry colours and a striking symbol of grace and heritage.

Now officially the Kerry Rose 2025, Laura will go on to compete in the Rose of Tralee International Festival in August, where she will join Roses from around the world — each representing their respective communities with pride. The festival, one of Ireland’s most cherished cultural events, celebrates women of Irish heritage and the diverse stories that connect them.

With Laura representing Kerry, expectations are high. But if the selection night is anything to go by, she is more than ready for the challenge.

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