New Zealand’s Keely O’Grady has been named the 2024 Rose of Tralee, becoming the third Rose from New Zealand to win in the competition’s 65-year history.
Expressing her joy, O’Grady said, “I can’t put into words how I feel. Having only two previous New Zealand Roses, this means so much to me.”
Just before announcing the winner, co-host Dáithà Ó Sé mistakenly mentioned the 2022 winner, but Kathryn Thomas quickly corrected him. The result was announced by the show’s CEO, Anthony O’Gara, who was recently recovering from heart surgery. He praised the “strong sisterhood of women” who participated this year.
The announcement followed two nights of live broadcasts from the Rose of Tralee International Festival at the Kerry Sports Academy, Munster Technological University (MTU), which were aired on RTÉ.
Keely takes over from the 2023 Rose of Tralee, RĂłisĂn Wiley from New York. Reflecting on her experience, O’Grady shared, “I have gained so much confidence and pride in myself. That’s what the festival does—it encourages us to be ourselves.”
About The Author
