Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins has been crowned the 2025 International Rose of Tralee.
Cummins, who became the first Laois Rose to achieve this feat, was announced as the winner just before 11.30 pm last night, where she was presented with her sash by last year's years Rose, Keely O'Grady, who represented New Zealand.
Cummins' victory was announced live on RTÉ television by co hosts Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó'Sé from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU. The festival was watched by people from all over the world, including New Zealand, Canada, Mozambique, and the USA.
After her win was announced, Ms Cummins was taken through the streets of Tralee where she was formally presented to the crowds at Midnight Madness, which saw thousands gather around for music, celebrations and a fireworks display.
Hailing from Ballyouskill on the Laois-Kilkenny border, Katelyn Cummins is an apprentice electrician who is currently in her third phase of training, planning to pursue an engineering degree.
Reacting to the news, Katelyn said that winning the Rose of Tralee felt "like a dream", before going on to thank her parents and the "31 girls standing behind me" for their support.
Prior to this, Katelyn had reflected on her journey into the electrical industry.
"I am an apprentice electrician. I am currently in my phase 3 at the moment. Back when I was in Transition Year, I had to do work experience, and I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I didn't really want to go to college; it didn't really seem like a path for me. Then my dad put me in touch with a local electrician. I did a week's work experience, and I absolutely loved it. I knew it was the job for me", she said.
Admitting that her choice of career path caused a stir with some people, she added: "Some people say I don't look like an electrician. I am very, very girly. I was the only girl in my college, and I am the only girl in my apprenticeship. I'm one of the lads now".
She added: "We have a dairy farm. I love that I grew up in the countryside, it makes it so much easier to connect with people".
