'It didn’t feel real': Shauna Murtagh reflects on her Rose of Tralee experience

Shauna Murtagh from Carrick-on-Shannon took the stage on August 19 in Tralee to represent County Leitrim in the International Rose of Tralee Festival.

Shauna has been winding down after her extremely busy few weeks, and she recently graduated from University of Galway on August 23.

She has been reflecting on her incredible experience as part of the Rose tour and appearing on national television.

“It was never something I imagined myself doing. It was never on the plans for me. 

“We started off in Kildare and stayed in Barberstown for a few nights and everyone was so welcoming, from the Rose of Tralee staff to the hotel staff and all the girls.

“Every day I would think it can’t get much better than this and then they somehow managed to top it off!” Shauna enthused.

After staying in Kildare for a few days, the tour travelled to Dublin for a press day and photoshoot with RTÉ presenters Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas. 

Leitrim rose Shauna Murtagh shines on stage in Tralee

Rose of Tralee final takes place tonight, August 20

While in Dublin, Shauna and the 31 Roses paid a visit to some children in Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

“It started off with the tour and we were in Kildare for a few days before travelling to Dublin for a press day and photoshoot with Dáithí and Kathryn.

“I had no idea we got to visit there and it was incredible,” Shauna explained.

“I was in the emergency department and it was so nice to see the kids and give them a little bit of a lift up.”

Shauna’s performance on the first night of the Rose of Tralee was more than memorable. The 23-year-old is an avid rower and sportswoman, and she was put to the test on stage and competed in a rowing competition alongside Kathryn Thomas.

“I initially had no performance, and then on the Saturday before, RTÉ asked if I would do the rowing challenge against Kathryn and I wasn’t sure if it would work with the dress!” she recounted.

Shauna’s dress was designed by Leitrim based fashion designer Joanne McGowan, which took five weeks to create.

Shauna reminisced about that night, recalling how surreal it felt.

“It didn’t feel real. I’m still shocked that it happened, I haven’t watched it back,” she explained.

Shauna gained unforgettable friendships and built up her confidence during her time as Leitrim Rose. 

“We were such a lovely bunch and all 31 of the girls were incredible. They all had their own stories and personalities, everyone had their own thing to add.

“The Rose of Tralee team really got us out of our shells. By the end of it, I really found that my confidence grew,” Shauna explained.

Although taking part in the competition was never on the cards for Shauna, she has absolutely no regrets and says she would recommend it to anyone.

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“It really has been a crazy few weeks,” she concluded.