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Ottawa Rose - Aidan Russell Hi! I'm Aidan, I'm 27 and I moved to Ottawa six years ago to complete my Master’s in International Affairs, specializing in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy. I’ve since been accepted into the Canadian Foreign Service as a Diplomat and currently work in Indigenous Services. As a dual citizen of Ireland and Canada, I had the privilege of living and working in Dublin last year with the Trade Commissioner Service at the Embassy of Canada to Ireland. Outside of work, I run a freelance marketing business, captain my volleyball teams, and can usually be found playing pickup footy, painting, reading, cooking for friends, or heading to Pilates. My dad, who was born in Ireland and passed just before Christmas, always said my love for Ireland was “in my blood.” It’s in my love of sea swims, hikes in the Mournes, how my heart swells showing loved ones Coumeenoole Beach, the indescribable sense of feeling at home there and how a cup of tea with an ungodly amount of honey makes everything better. Honouring that love as the Ottawa Rose means everything.
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Philadelphia Rose - Shannon Emery Hi! I'm Shannon Emery, 26, born and raised in the Philadelphia region of Pennsylvania where I work as a high school Special Education teacher. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Science and Special Education from West Chester University, where I also served as Vice President of Community Service for my sorority—writing programs for local Girl Scouts and supporting Prevent Child Abuse America. I'm passionate about empowering young women. At school, I advise the Aevidum suicide prevention club and co-founded a girls support group to help students build confidence and community. I recently completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and will begin my doctoral program this summer. When I’m not teaching or studying, I love spending time with family, friends, and my dogs, Clover and Jameson. My Irish roots trace back to Donegal, Meath, Kildare, Dublin, and Cork, with my strongest ties in Kerry. Inspired by my great-grandmother Elizabeth’s journey from Kerry to America in 1922, I’m proud to represent that legacy as a Rose in the Rose of Tralee Festival.
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Queensland Rose - Siobhan Edwards Hello! My name is Siobhan Edwards, and I am extremely honoured to represent the Sunshine State as this year’s Queensland Rose. I am 23 years old and hail from Brisbane and have strong connections to rural Far North Queensland where my grandparents live. My Irish heritage has always been integral to my identity; I am a proud 4th generation Irish Australian as my great grandparents were from County Cork and County Limerick. I have recently graduated university studying politics and marketing. I now work in strategy consulting at Deloitte, where I collaborate with local government clients across a range of industries. I love spending time reading, going on runs with my friends and enjoying Queensland’s beaches. I have been blessed to be around the Queensland Rose Community my whole life, and I am very proud to be a second-generation Queensland Rose. This is a journey I have dreamed of my whole life, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the amazing 2025 Roses from around the world and celebrate our shared culture together.
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South Australia Rose - Beth Mooney Dia Duit! My name is Beth Mooney, I’m 24 years old, and I’m honoured to be the 2025 South Australia Rose. Originally from Dublin and raised in Wexford, I moved to Adelaide at nine and now live on Kaurna land. I proudly hold dual Irish and Australian citizenship and cherish the heritage of both. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) from Flinders University and Adelaide College of the Arts. As a contemporary dancer and teaching artist, I believe in the power of movement to inspire creativity, connection, and confidence. Living with scoliosis and undergoing spinal fusion has shaped my resilience and passion for inclusion. I’ve worked alongside Australian Dance Theatre, Adelaide Fringe, Illuminate Adelaide, Netflix, and Carclew, where I assisted creative workshops in schools. I also teach Lagree fitness, helping others build strength and self-belief. I hope to pursue a Master’s in Dance Movement or Occupational Therapy to empower others through movement and healing. I’m proud to represent the Irish community of South Australia with heart, warmth, and a joyful twirl!