Roscommon Rose represents county with pride at Rose of Tralee Festival
Rebecca Collins with her parents Martin and Fiona at a gathering for Rebecca at Athlone Golf Club in advance of the Rose of Tralee. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
When Rebecca Collins steps onto the Rose of Tralee stage tomorrow night, she will do so with the encouragement of family, pupils, colleagues, local businesses, and communities across County Roscommon.
The 24-year-old secondary school teacher from Kiltoom in South Roscommon is proudly representing the county at the iconic Rose of Tralee Festival, which runs from August 14th to 18th. She is one of the bookies' favourites to win the title.
Daughter of Martin and Fiona Collins, Rebecca teaches Home Economics and Religion at Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone, where she has been described as “a fantastic role model” for students.
She was selected as the Roscommon Rose from 16 contestants at a gala event on March 28th, and since then life has become a busy but memorable mix of preparations, appearances and community visits.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I just want to make the most of every single moment,” Rebecca told the Roscommon Herald recently. “I’m really looking forward to meeting people from all over the world, representing Roscommon and creating memories that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
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Separately, the New York Rose Ciara McGinty, has very strong County Roscommon connections.
The 25 year old teacher's late grandmother Patsy, sister of John Rogers and Peg Dobey, hailed from Emlagh, Castleplunkett. The Kilmurry Hall Committee highlighted the connection, and wished Ciara the best of luck in the event.
Leitrim Rose Catherine Cullen, who is from Carrick-on-Shannon, will be on the stage tonight.
