Cork Rose Nancy Lehane Stuns with Ballad – Rose of Tralee

The Rose of Tralee International Festival continued monday night wiht a showcase of contestants and the declaration of the 2025 Rose escort of the Year.

Luxembourg Rose aisling Guilfoyle shared her personal struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) during her appearance. Kerry Rose Laura Daly followed, expressing her enjoyment of the experience with her fellow contestants and describing participation as a privilege. Daly delivered a contemporary dance performance that was well-received by the audience.

Mayo Rose Clara Gardiner, one of four mothers competing this year, paid tribute to her son Noah and spoke emotionally about the support of her family and the memory of her late sister.

Armagh Rose Erin McCormack was also among the mothers participating in the competition.

andy Rodgers was named the 2025 rose Escort of the Year during the show.

The selection process for the Rose of Tralee extends beyond the stage performances. Roses are evaluated through numerous interviews, both formal and informal, group discussions, and social events like lunches and a BBQ.

This year’s judges include former Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu (recently engaged to Ryan Tubridy), RTÉ’s Nuala Carey, fashion designer Don O’neill, and Aisling Murphy of Murphy’s New Homes.

The escorts accompanying the Roses also include notable individuals, such as former US Marine Leo McFadden (escorting the San Francisco Rose) and entrepreneur Seamus Ruiz-Earle (a Forbes Under 30 lister, escorting the Californian Rose).

Historically,being a bookmakers’ favorite doesn’t guarantee victory. Past results show that favorites don’t always win. For example, while Meath Rose Elysha Brennan won in 2015, subsequent years saw unexpected winners like Maggie McEldowney (Chicago, 2016) and Jennifer Byrne (Offaly, 2017), who had odds of 33/1.

In 2018, Waterford Rose Kirsten Mate maher won as predicted, and in 2019, Limerick rose Sinéad Flanagan was chosen by the judges over other contenders. The competition was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Currently, the Cork Rose, Nancy Lehane, is the favorite.

Lehane received a warm welcome and spoke about her volunteer work teaching 60 children in Uganda, praising their “joy and generosity.” She then performed a ballad, the Village on the Hill, local to her native Meelin, North Cork.