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MARYKATE LEAHY SPONSOR: CROHN’S & COLITIS IRELAND Haigh a chairde, I'm Marykate, I’m 18, and I’m from Clarina. I've dreamed of being a Rose since I was a little girl, on family holidays in Tralee. My passions include: avid journaling , writing poetry, nature agus tá grá agam don Gaeilge. Most of all, I love learning about life, and the world, in a philosophical sense. I've found adversity to be my greatest teacher, fostering strength and wisdom. I haven't attended much school due to chronic illness. However, the lessons I've subsequently learned are immensely valuable. I proudly wear my life-saving ostomy and use mobility aids; I feel excited about the representation I can create for these along my Rose journey.
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SAMANTHA DALY SPONSOR: ISOBEL BOUTIQUE My name is Samantha Daly, a proud 22-year-old from the beautiful village of Adare. I’m in my final year at the University of Limerick, studying Social Science. I’m very passionate about supporting those dealing with learning disabilities and grief. I hope to work with Tusla or pursue a master’s in Speech and Language Therapy. I work at Isobel Boutique, model for the Holman Lee Agency, and love singing and Irish dancing. I’ve competed in the Munster, All Ireland and world Irish dancing championships. A highlight of my young journey was becoming Limerick’s first-ever Rose Bud in 2010. I’m excited for this experience, ready to step out of my comfort zone and make lasting memories!
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SHANNON GLEESON SPONSOR: GARVEY’S CENTRA NEWCASTLE WEST My name is Shannon, I’m 21 and I was born and reared in Tournafulla, a small village bursting with community spirit. I’m currently in my 3rd year in college, studying Home Economics and Religion Teaching in St. Angela’s in Sligo. Teaching has always been my dream. I also have a strong desire to travel and see the world. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing and chatty girl who is always up for the craic. I am the eldest in the family and have plenty of young siblings who never fail to keep me busy. I would not be where I am today without their support. Every year since I was a little girl, I have watched the Roses in awe. I cannot describe how excited I am to be representing my home in the Treaty County.
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SHAUNA FAITH KELLY SPONSOR: TÚSLA Shauna Faith Kelly (22) is originally from Pallasgreen and raised in Castlemahon. She is a final year Social Care student at SETU Waterford and an aspiring MA Social Worker. She works with adults with intellectual disabilities at Avista Limerick and loves her job and the friendships she has made. Passionate about empowering young girls in the care system, she believes in helping them realise their potential and chase their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. With a commitment to advocacy, she aims to inspire resilience and confidence in those she supports. Shauna hopes that if one young girl sees her believe in and chase her dreams and in turn knows that she can too, then her work is done!