Lovely Laois GAA player and teacher in running to become Dubai Rose

A Portlaoise primary school teacher living in Abu Dhabi is in the running to become the 2024 Dubaí Rose, at the Rose of Tralee festival in Kerry.

Ellen O'Sullivan, 28, is living in the United Arab Emerites since 2022.

She is a keen Laois GAA supporter, being described by the Dubai Rose team as "a regular in the stands at O'Moore Park".

Ellen also plays with the Abu Dhabi Na Fianna GAA club. 

"The Dubai Rose Introducing our ninth Rose entrant for the 2024 selection hosted by @mcgettigansjlt  A last minute addition to the rose line up for this coming week, 28 year old Ellen O’Sullivan hails from Lovely Laois and is ready to represent Abu Dhabi at the Dubai Rose selection.

"A primary school teacher by trade, Ellen arrived in the UAE in 2022. Eager to experience schools abroad, diverse cultures and to dabble in some travel, Abu Dhabi was the perfect fit!

Entrants to the Abu Dhabi Rose selection.

"A regular in the stands at O’Moore Park, it didn’t come as a surprise that Ellen landed down to Zayed Sports and Na Fianna upon her arrival. What did come as a surprise was that she donned boots and O’Neills, something not seen since her early teens. Ellen is wholly grateful to Na Fianna for keeping her body, mind and social life healthy!

"With Kerry roots coming from her late Grandad, Seánín Rua of Kinard, the Rose of Tralee was always a summer staple in the O’Sullivan household. Ellen would be thrilled to represent her family, friends and the UAE on stage in the Dome, but will happily take a shot at McGetts first!," the organisers say.

Best of luck to Ellen!