Kildare Rose 2024 ‘still can’t believe’ her luck!

Kildare’s latest entrant into the Rose of Tralee 2024 has said that she 'still can’t believe' that she’s been selected to represent her county.

Catherine Cunningham, who hails from Rathangan, told the Leinster Leader: "I walked into work at Turas Nua on Tuesday morning after the selection on Sunday night and it felt like I was living a real-life dream.

"It is an honour to be selected to represent Kildare in the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival."

The 24-year-old continued: "On Sunday night in Barberstown Castle as I stood on stage with twenty other incredible girls I remember waiting for the MC Ollie Turner to announce the next 2024 Kildare Rose.

"In my own mind, I was trying to predict which girl I needed to hug when her name was announced; was it going to be to the left of the stage or right? Would I need to step around the wires for the lights to get to her or was she standing right behind me? So when Ollie Turner announced my name as the 2024 Kildare Rose I never expected it.

"I was in complete shock; I’m still in complete shock!"

Catherine added that from that moment all she can remember is 'the screams and cheers of my incredible family from the audience and a lot of hugs from the other girls. Cameras flashed and people shook my hand.'

She continued: "The most memorable moment was my Dad coming up to me, hugging me and saying 'I can’t believe I won a prize in the raffle, and I have a daughter who is the next Kildare Rose!' He won a bottle of Jameson so I think he was living his dream too!"

Catherine also revealed that the Rose of Tralee is not a new topic of conversation in her house: "My older and only brother, Tommy Cunningham, is the current Kildare Rose Escort of the Year."

Catherine with her family, including her brother Tommy Cunningham (Far left), who is the current Kildare Rose Escort. Photograph supplied by Catherine Cunningham.

She added: "The realisation that I now get to experience all of this, while representing my incredible county. It is truly incredible, and having an idea of what’s ahead makes me even more excited.

"I can’t wait to get down to Tralee in August and represent my gorgeous Kildare group, my family and of course Cill Dara!"

Catherine also said: "I am just a girl from Kildare... I play cards on a Monday night, and when the silage is cut on the farm at home, I make the tea and sandwiches for 'the lads.'

"It is rare for things like this to happen to people like me, and that is why I am going to enjoy every dance in Tralee, savour every laugh and always stay true to who I am: a very proud Rathangan girl."

The Rose of Tralee Festival will run from August 16 to August 20 in Tralee , County Kerry.