Making a splash during the Light House Project's wellbeing retreat at Loughdale Cottage are (from left) Lillie Brannock, Speaker Sinéad Buckley (TeenZone), Alanna Smith, Light House Project founder and Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch, Abbie Spooner, Ellie Murphy, leader Sophie Kehoe & Allie Malone . Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch with members of The Light House Project at JM Reidy's, whose generous hospitality treated the group to dinner before an evening of entertainment at Celtic Steps. Picture: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Leaders and Organisers of The LIght House Project Killarney trip, pictured at JM Reidys L-R Sophie Kehoe, Leticia Whelan, Founder Caoimhe Lynch & Anna O'Connor.

Photos and words by: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

There is a saying that a lighthouse never shines for itself. It stands as a beacon for others, offering hope, guidance and light when it is needed most. That sentiment could not describe this year's Kerry Rose, Caoimhe Lynch, any better.

As she prepares to represent the Kingdom at the Rose of Tralee this August, Caoimhe continues to prove that wearing the sash is about far more than appearances. Through The Light House Project, which she founded in 2024, she is quietly transforming lives, creating opportunities and reminding young people that someone believes in them.
The Light House Project was established with a simple but powerful mission – to spark a light in people. Working with young people from disadvantaged communities, the organisation provides recreational experiences and self-development opportunities that inspire confidence, resilience and hope.
That mission recently brought a group of students from Ballymun to Kerry for a special retreat in Caoimhe's native Beaufort. Staying with a family friend and supported by the incredible generosity of businesses and volunteers throughout Killarney, the trip offered the girls a chance to step away from everyday challenges and experience the warmth and welcome for which Kerry is renowned.
Their unforgettable few days included lunch at Manna Café, bike hire from O'Sullivan's Killarney Rent-A-Bike, a wellbeing session with Sinéad Buckley of TeenZone, a restorative lake dip and sauna experience at Loughdale Cottage, dinner at JM Reidy's courtesy of the Sheehan Group, and an evening enjoying the spectacular Celtic Steps show. Every contribution demonstrated the extraordinary community spirit that makes Kerry so special.
Anna O'Connor, who worked alongside Caoimhe to make the retreat possible, said: "I have known Caoimhe since primary school, and she has always put everyone else first. The work she does through The Light House Project is truly inspiring, and it is incredible to see the difference she makes in the lives of young people. Even while preparing for the Rose of Tralee, she continues to put others first. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving to represent Kerry."
Perhaps the greatest measure of Caoimhe's impact, however, comes from the young people themselves. One student simply said: "Caoimhe has been my favourite teacher I could ever ask for and she has always been supportive and caring towards me. Caoimhe believed in me during times when nobody else has."