Rose of Tralee: Meet the women representing North America in Co Kerry

The Rose of Tralee International Festival 2024 kicked off in Co Kerry on Friday, August 16, and runs through Tuesday, August 20.

32 exceptional women - all of whom are Irish or have Irish roots - are representing centres from around the globe throughout this year's festival.

Among this year's impressive class of Roses are seven women representing North America - six representing the US and one representing Canada.

They've got big shoes to fill after Irish American Róisín Wiley, who was representing her native New York, claimed the title of Rose of Tralee in 2023.

Hopefully there are no nerves among this bunch of Roses, but if there are, hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas are sure to put them at ease on the big stage in Tralee, Co Kerry during the live, televised interviews on August 19 and August 20.

While every Rose is sure to make a big impression throughout the spectacular Festival this year, let's take a look at the seven Roses from North America!

Chicago Rose - Megan Cahill

My name is Megan, I'm 29, and I'm honoured to be the 2024 Chicago Rose.

I grew up in a large Irish family with four siblings and 41 first cousins, and I developed a strong connection to my Irish heritage at an early age. My Irish roots hail from counties Cork and Clare, and I still have cousins living in Dublin City.

I hold an undergraduate degree in finance and a law degree from the University of Illinois. Currently, I work as an attorney at a financial company in downtown Chicago. I was a former competitive Irish dancer and 10-time world championships qualifier, which allowed me to travel to Ireland many times. Recently, my travels to Ireland include running the Dublin City Marathon, one of five marathons I've completed. I love being active and am an adventurist at heart, enjoying hiking, skiing, surfing, and golfing!

Being involved in the vibrant Irish culture in Chicago is a passion of mine. I'm on the board of The Young Irish Fellowship Club, volunteer at Old St Patrick's Church, and am a member of the 2023 and 2024 Chicago St Patrick's Day Queen's Court.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity and will cherish it forever!

Florida Rose - Molly Ronan

My name is Molly Ronan, and I am a 27-year-old Florida native, hailing from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

As someone who has a keen interest in people and different cultures, I graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Being proud of my Irish heritage, I have always celebrated my roots in every way I can. I was a champion Irish dancer and the 2022 senior Mid-Atlantic Fleadh champion on flute, tin whistle, and harp.

I currently work as a first-grade assistant and substitute teacher at St Paul's Catholic School as well as a freelance wedding and event harpist. Music is a big part of my life and I always seek to give back to my community by playing at assisted living facilities, churches, schools, and charity functions.

Having been involved with the Florida Rose Center since 2017 as a Junior Rose, I am honoured to be representing the Sunshine State here in Tralee.

Newfoundland and Labrador Rose - Tammy Snook

Now 27 years old, my journey began in the rugged beauty of outport Newfoundland and Labrador. Raised by parents who embodied hard work and innovation, I developed an appreciation for my roots and a love for the land.

After graduating with honours from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce, I earned my Certified Associate in Project Management. My career has spanned various roles in corporate, private, and non-profit sectors.

As a multidisciplinary consultant, I became involved in entrepreneurship, business development, and Indigenous engagement and Nation rebuilding. I co-founded Paskwâw Harbour Strategies Inc to bridge Indigenous wisdom with Western perspectives, creating consulting strategies that prioritise cultural values and positive impact. I am deeply committed to community engagement as I travel across the province to support local businesses and community events.

Volunteering with organisations like Make-A-Wish allows me to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. My journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and meaningful connections. As I continue to expand my horizons and make my mark on the world, one thing remains constant: supporting women to be themselves, unapologetically.

New York Rose - Billie Cooper 

Hello! My name is Billie Aoife Cooper and I am 25 years old. I hail from Cavan, but I've been so lucky to call many places home throughout my life.

I grew up in Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, with my twin sister, Lucy, and younger brother, Kenneth. My mother, Thérèse, was raised just down the road in Killeshandra, and my father, Patrick, is from Cork.

I spent several years living in Singapore and China where the Irish communities were so vibrant that even halfway around the world, I never felt too far from home. There, I learned how to Irish dance and play Gaelic and rugby. As a teenager, my family relocated to the States, and I've since lived in Michigan, Chicago, Boston, and New York!

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Boston University, and I'm currently getting my Master's in Social Work at Columbia University. I've been working in the mental and behavioural health field for just over three years now. When I'm not studying, I enjoy running, reading, or cross stitching!

It's the biggest honour to represent both Cavan and New York at this year's festival - my home and my home away from home!

North Carolina Rose - Kathryn Wright

Hey y'all! My name is Kathryn, I'm 27, and was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. My grandmother was from Galway and emigrated to North Carolina (via Boston) in her late teens. Our family has been here ever since, and it is such an honour to represent her journey and the Irish community of North Carolina.

I recently graduated with my Master of Arts in International Higher Education from Boston College and currently work as a programme manager for the Office of Global Education. I manage and advise all Irish and Italian study-abroad programmes.

Before pursuing my master's, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina, where I spent time studying in Ireland and working at a refugee resettlement agency. These experiences sparked my passion for cultural exchange and global education, which led me to teach English in Spain before pursuing graduate school. I believe that study abroad and exchange is an incredible opportunity to shift perspectives, promote understanding, and create global citizens.

When I am not working or studying, I can most likely be found travelling, trying new restaurants, or enjoying the sunshine.

I am so excited for the journey ahead!

Ohio Rose - Aoife Zuercher

Hello! My name is Aoife Zuercher and I am the Ohio Rose.

I am a 22-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio and a recent graduate of Ohio University with honours degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. Next month, I will be starting a PhD in Materials Engineering at the University of Maryland.

I work at NASA on next-generation batteries for electric aircraft. Through this work and research at school, I am a published author in scientific journals. I am passionate about advocating for women in science and a sustainable future through scientific discoveries.
Growing up, I have been an active member in the Cleveland Irish community, being a part of the Burke School of Irish Dance for 12 years. I am currently on the Cleveland Gaelic football team and bartending at Gormley's Irish Pub.

My heritage stems from my mother, Deirdre, born and raised in Dublin, and my father John, whose family is from Derry. Irish culture flows through my blood and emerges in my everyday life with a lively family and supportive Irish friends.

I am proud to represent my beautiful state Ohio in the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival.

San Francisco Rose - Maggie Baglin

My name is Maggie Baglin, and I am a 23-year-old born and raised San Franciscan. I am very proud of my Irish heritage, San Francisco nativism, and Catholic faith, as they formed who I am today.

At 10 years old, I traded in my soft shoes and picked up the highland bagpipes. I am a proud member of the Irish Pipers Band of San Francisco, who taught me to play. I feel a little old, as I am now the one teaching youth lessons and passing it on to the next generation.

This year, I became my parish's Youth Minister and formed a group for young Catholic teenagers. We brought back Sandwiches for the Hungry, where I collect monthly sandwich donations to take to a shelter that feeds those in need.

I work as a Registered Behaviour Therapist, supporting special needs children with their language, communication, and basic living skills. I am also a programme manager, providing supervision to therapists and family adaptive behaviour treatment guidance to parents. I am finishing up my last year of graduate school for my Master's Degree in Special Education.

In my free time, I enjoy running, baking, playing music, and spending time with family and friends.