Connect with us

News

Westmeath woman announced as the 2022 Rose of Tralee

Published

on

Rachel Duffy has been announced as the 2022 Rose of Tralee, becoming the first Rose representing Westmeath to take the title.

.

The 24-year-old was presented with her sash on Tuesday night by the 2019 Rose of Tralee Dr Sinead Flanagan after the Festival returned for the first time since August 2019.

33 International Roses from communities across Ireland and around the world took part in the 61st Rose of Tralee International Festival which was broadcast live on RTÉ One over two nights.

From the small village of Rosemount, Rachel graduated from NUIG with an Undergraduate Degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies and Spanish last year. She is currently working in P Egan’s Traditional Irish Bar in Moate, and plans to return to university to complete a Master’s Degree to be a Spanish and English teacher.

RTÉ’s Dáithí Ó Sé made the announcement live from Kerry Sports Academy at MTU to local and global audiences with viewers tuning in from countries including Turkey, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The celebrations were instant as Rachel was whisked away, where she was presented to the town of Tralee and serenaded by Alan Teahan in front of the thousands of people during the Midnight Madness fireworks display.

“I’m pinching myself now wondering if it just happened," a shocked Rachel said.

"Having all the Roses around me made it so much more special. I’m so grateful for this honour; it was such an honour to represent my community and my county and now to be the Rose of Tralee is just unbelievable. I never anticipated ending up here, I’m looking forward to the memories I’m going to make. If the last two weeks are anything to go on I know I’m going to make memories to last a lifetime.”

As the 2022 Rose of Tralee, Rachel will enjoy an extensive prize package that includes exquisite ranges from Tipperary Crystal’s 2022 Jewellery Collection, and exclusively designed trophy, the all new KIA Niro Plug-In Hybrid EV courtesy of McElligott’s Tralee for the next year, hair styling by Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty during the year of her reign, complimentary accommodation at the four star Meadowlands Hotel throughout the year, a week-long adventure break from Kerry County Council, and a world travel prize valued at €25,000.

Advertisement

News

Highstool Prophets bring global tour to Killarney

Published

on

By

Cavan folk group The Highstool Prophets have announced a major headline show at the Gleneagle Ballroom on Friday, February 5, 2027, as part of their upcoming ‘This Is The Life’ Tour.

The five-piece group has rapidly become one of Ireland’s most sought-after folk acts, building a reputation on high-energy live performances and a fresh take on traditional tunes.

The newly announced Killarney date comes on the heels of a massive nationwide tour announcement, which includes a headline appearance at Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre.


The tour celebrates the phenomenal success of their hit cover of Amy MacDonald’s This Is The Life.

The track has become a global streaming sensation, amassing over 50 million streams and broadening the band’s reach across international markets.


Alongside their upcoming Irish dates, The Highstool Prophets are set to take their show to audiences across the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia, delivering a mix of fan favourites and classic Irish folk anthems.


Tickets for the 18+ concert cost €40.90, including booking and venue facility fees, and go on sale this Wednesday at 10.00am via Ticketmaster.

Continue Reading

News

Lawless Jewellery named finalist in Irish Made Awards

Published

on

By

Independent College Street jewellery brand Lawless has been named a finalist in the Jewellery category of the 2026 Irish Made Awards, run by Irish Country Magazine.

Founded by designer-maker Lyndsay Lawless, the one-woman business creates celestial jewellery inspired by mythology, symbolism, and the night sky.

Each piece is handcrafted using stainless steel and natural gemstones in her studio located within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.

The collections are available online and stocked locally at LI•LY on College Street, which serves as the brand’s retail home in Killarney.


The nomination comes as both Lawless and the Irish Made Awards celebrate their 10th anniversaries this year. After relocating from London to Kerry in 2015 following a career with the NHS, Lawless established the business the following year.


“I have spent ten years building the brand in Kerry, designing and making beneath the protected night skies of the reserve, then bringing that work into Killarney through LI•LY,” said Lawless. “To have it recognised on a national stage means a huge amount. Every order, shop visit, recommendation, and kind word from customers has helped get Lawless here. Now that the decision includes a public vote, I would love Kerry to get behind its own.”


Public voting is open online at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote until September 8. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at The Johnstown Estate in County Meath on September 30.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport