Cloideach excited to represent Tyrone at Rose of Tralee final

A 25-year-old school teacher from Garvaghey who is set to represent Tyrone in this years Rose of Tralee final has spoken of her excitement ahead of the celebrated international festival in County Kerry.

Cloideach Donaghy, a PE teacher at St Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea, will represent the county in the prestigious beauty pageant in August.

A keen rugby player, the Tyrone woman said she was ‘lost for words’ when she was announced as winner of the Tyrone Rose heats.

“I was in such a daze when it was announced,” admitted the Tyrone Rose winner. “So many great girls had applied and I was very stunned and lost for words, which is not at all like me. It was a total shock.”

Speaking of what inspired her to apply, Cloideach said that, as a big fan of the annual event, she had wanted to enter it for a few years.

“The opportunity came up last summer,” she explained.

“We watch the Rose of Tralee as a family every year and my older sisters had often thought about applying but never did.

“My great-aunt Peggy is 99 and for many years she worked over in San Francisco in their Irish Centre which would have always played a big part in the Rose of Tralee, so it was something that was always talked about among our family.”

With the Tyrone selection event held in Canavan’s in Garvaghey, Cloideach said it was an added bonus being so close to home.

“Todd’s Leap sponsored me for the selection event which was lovely as I had worked there for five years when I was younger.

“I will also be hosting a charity event there on the run-up to the final which will be in aid of a charity of my choosing, so make sure to keep an eye out for more information on that on their social media pages.”

Throughout the Tyrone selection and keeping it in the family, Cloideach was supported by her cousin and very own ‘Rose Bud’ Caiomhe Donaghy.

“We arrived on the day at 11am for our individual interviews followed by a group interview in the afternoon before showcasing our stage pieces that night,” Cloideach said.

For her stage piece, she recited a self-penned poem but admits that poetry isn’t something that she is ‘big into’.

“I’ve written a few short poems and reflective pieces over the years, but it isn’t necessarily something I’m big into.

“I’m not an English teacher. I’m a PE teacher so for me, my true passion lies in rugby.”

As part of the Clogher Valley RFC Womens Seniors, Cloideach and her team mates have recently taken home the Susan Fleming Cup following a victorious final on St Patrick’s Day this year.

“I used to play football for Errigal Ciaran as well as Tyrone U16 ladies, but I gave that up to focus on the rugby,” she admitted.

Now preparing for a tour of Ireland ahead of the finale in Tralee, Cloideach said that whilst nothing is confirmed yet, she is looking forward to seeing what’s in store for her and her fellow finalists.

“We could end up doing or taking part in anything,” she said.

“That’s probably one of the most exciting parts of the process and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Many of my family and friends will be coming along on the journey with me so to have that kind of support behind me will be really nice.”

With the finale set to take place in August, Cloideach said that whilst she would be willing to recite another poem in the final, she may also have another trick up her sleeve.

“I would definitely be willing to read another poem, however, I have been toying with the idea of showcasing some sort of rugby skill – ideally one that won’t damage my dress – but for now, that’s all to be confirmed ahead of the big day.”

Ahead of the final, Cloideach said she would most certainly recommend entering the contest, describing it as a ‘brilliant opportunity for young women to showcase themselves’.

“It’s all about having a bit of confidence in yourself,” she explained.

“It’s also an amazing chance to meet people on an international scale and it comes with an incredible array of opportunities.”

She also spoke of the efforts of the organisers of the events.

“The organisers really do go to great lengths in making sure that it is a special night for everyone there.

“Everything is put in place to make it as memorable as possible for us all.”

Hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé, the 2025 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 15 to 19, with the finale being broadcast on RTE One where one of the 32 selected Roses will be crowned ‘The Rose of Tralee’.