THE Laois Rose may have won the crown of the 2025 Rose of Tralee, but it was the Limerick ladies who really stole the show.
32 Roses took to the stage at the Kerry Sports Academy this week to global audiences for two exciting TV nights.
Limerick lady and financial planner Leah McMahon donned the green and white on the Tralee stage on Tuesday in a custom-made dress designed by school friend and local designer Mary O’Sullivan – inspired by her classic Limerick Toile de Jouy print.
She explained how the dress was a tribute to her friendship with Mary, who, like Leah, had a daughter at a young age.
Leah’s daughter, Ella, was also in the audience, and stole the hearts of the nation as host Dáithí O’Sé presented her with a cake to celebrate her eighth birthday.
Leah spoke about her passion for education, community and creating opportunities for others, particularly financial literacy among women and young people.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies from University of Limerick in 2019 and forged a successful career in financial planning.
Now working as financial planner with Castle Capital Financial Planning, Leah delivers a female-focused financial literacy workshop Bláthú (the Irish word for ‘blossoming’).
When asked by co-host Kathryn Thomas about critics of the Rose of Tralee, Leah commented on the importance of festivals that celebrate women.
“Women are not asking to be more than men, but just to be on the same playing field”, she suggested.
The UAE Rose, Ceiline O’Mara, also proudly represented the Treaty on the night, originally hailing from Limerick.
The 28-year-old primary school teacher and musician is currently based in the United Arab Emirates.
A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Ceiline started her career at Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Roxboro, but is now on a career break and teaching in Sharjah.
Ceiline’s musical talents shone through on the night with a performance of Ms Hamilton on the harp.
The All-Ireland Fleadh Champion has performed at various events in the UAE, including the prestigious Dubai World Cup, as well as with the UAE Comhaltas group. Ceiline also modelled with the Holman Lee Agency.
