A PROUD Limerick woman is set to represent the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Ceiline O’Meara, from Caherconlish in County Limerick, was selected to make history as the first ever UAE Rose.
The Dubai-based primary school teacher, accomplished musician, and model will be the envy of the sizeable Irish community in the UAE as she makes her way back home to take part in the 2025 Rose of Tralee, which takes place from August 15 to 19.
The past pupil of Milford National School, Castletroy College, and Mary Immaculate College is currently teaching in a school in Sharjah – an emirate adjacent to Dubai – while on a career break from her role at Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Roxboro.
A talented harpist and pianist, and an active member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the UAE, Ceiline is keen on bringing traditional Irish music to international stages. She has performed regularly at high-profile events across the Emirates, including the recent Dubai World Cup.
“Music has always been at the heart of who I am. Being able to share Irish culture through music in a place as diverse as the UAE is such a privilege,” Ceiline said.
She will also be sharing her talents on home soil, as she returns to perform at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford from August 3 to 10, just before the Rose of Tralee gets underway.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Ceiline is making waves with her modelling career, which she began in 2018 with Limerick’s Celia Holman Lee Agency
Ceiline says her love for the Rose of Tralee runs deep. Having attended the festival annually with her family during summers in Kerry, she always dreamed of being a Rose.
“To be chosen as the first UAE Rose is incredibly special. It means so much to represent not only my home country, but also the amazing Irish community that thrives here in the Emirates,” she says.
