Since the Rose of Tralee began in 1959, viewers have had the pleasure of getting to know Roses from counties across the country and Irish communities abroad. Over the years some of the roses found fame in some form after the Rose of Tralee, while for others it was a platform for them to continue making a difference in the world. As the competition gets underway let's take a look back over the years at some of the roses that found fame.
Rose of Tralee: From the Stage to the Screen
Anna Geary was Cork Rose 2014 and said it was the best experience of her life. That same year Anna, who played camogie for her county proudly led the Cork ladies to the All-Ireland title. After the competition, she won three All-Ireland Club medals in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Then in 2018, she turned her attention to television and competed on RTE's Dancing With the Stars. Since then Anna has become a regular contributor on television and radio, from Ireland's fittest family to the panel for different GAA matches.
From Rose to Presenter
Aoibhinn was crowned the Rose of Tralee in 2005 as Mayo's Rose. Two years later in 2007, she started in RTE's The Panel in which she endeared herself to the viewers. The following year Aoibhinn appeared on Celebrity Bainisteoir, managing a GAA team from Kiltimagh. She dated Ryan Tubridy from 2009 until 2014 and in Aoibhinn married Carlos Diaz in 2017 and share three children. Over time she has hosted the music show The Reel Deal, and science programmes The Science Squad and 10 Things to Know About... with Jonathan McCrea.
Love at First Sight: The Rose and the Presenter
Rita Talty got more than she expected when she represented New Jersey in the 2008 Rose of Tralee. Meeting presenter Dáithí Ó Sé, they struck up a friendship for two years before things turned romantic. The pair got married in 2012. Rita who is a talented cook can be found now in Rita’s Kitchen every Saturday in Yeats Lodge in Peterswell, Galway.
From Gymnast to TV Presenter
Gabby Yorath is the daughter of former Welsh international footballer and manager Terry Yorath. She represented Leeds in the 1991 Rose of Tralee. At the time, the determined teenager told host Gay Byrne at the time: 'I want to go into TV. I want your job.' Gabby, who competed for Wales in gymnastics, is now recognised as Gabby Logan after she married former Scottish rugby player Kenny Logan. True to her word, Gabby went on to become one of the BBC's primary sports presenters. She also co-presented the ITV show Splash with Vernon Kay and is a regular panellist on A League of Their Own. She was also a contestant in the 2007 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
From Rose to Politician
Representing Philadelphia back in 2014 Maria Walsh wowed the judges and picked up the crown. A native of Boston she moved to Shrule in Mayo in 1994 and would go on an interesting route after her win. Yes, the Mayo gal a few years later would enter the world of politics and was elected a member of the European Parliament for the Midlands -North-West constituency. At this time she was the youngest Irish MEP. In 2024 she won her seat in the elections alongside others such as Nina Carberry and Luke 'Ming' Flanagan.
From Rose to Eco-Warrior
Dr Clare Kambamettu competed and won the coveted Newbridge Silver crown at the Rose of Tralee in 2010 when she was 26. Clare was the London Rose that year. She was born in Leeds before moving to Athy in Kildare at the age of eight. Clare's unusual surname comes from her Indian-born father and she jokingly would tell people to think 'can of tomatoes' if they struggled with pronunciation. Clare has brains to burn that's for sure! She has a B.A. in Psychology and History and H. Dip. in Psychology from NUI Galway. She also completed a Master's in Mental Health specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at King's College London. Back in 2020, Clare was announced as the newest presenter of RTÉ Eco Eye. The programme was fronted by Duncan Stewart and brought to light some serious ecological issues and how they are impacting society. It was a thought-provoking show that focused on protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future. The last episode was broadcast in 2021. In recent times Clare popped back into the media when it was revealed that she was in a relationship with presenter Ryan Tubridy. Ryan had previously hosted the competition and dated another Rose, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, who won the competition in 2005. But he'd stepped aside by the time Clare won. Before departing from RTÉ Ryan featured Clare on his show and over time was spotted socialising at popular spots.
