Yoga teacher Katie is crowned Carlow Rose
Katie Ryan is congratulated by her mother Geraldine minutes after her name was announced as the Carlow Rose Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
“IT’S still sinking it. I don’t think that it’s really hit me yet!” said a delighted Katie Ryan after being crowned the Carlow Rose.
Katie was among 22 young, talented women who entered the competition for the much-coveted title when the selection night took place in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Saturday.
“There were over 500 people there, the support on the night was incredible. The Woodford Dolmen went above and beyond for us. The whole day and night were so much fun, we had such a laugh. It wasn’t like a competition at all, it was more like a celebration of girlhood,” said Katie.
Katie hails from the Tullow area and is the daughter of Geraldine Brennan and granddaughter of Brendan and Mary Brennan.
Aged 26, Katie has already set up her own business as a yoga teacher and is about to start a new job today, Tuesday, with Hockey Ireland as equality, diversity and inclusion co-ordinator.
“I feel like everything is coming together all at once. I must be on a lucky streak,” said Katie. “I’m starting my new job and I’m really excited about the build-up over the coming months to the Rose of Tralee festival in August. There’s lots to be done.” Katie has already done lots in her young life, having graduated with a degree from Dundalk Institute of Technology in sports, exercise and enterprise, which she has put to practical use in her career so far. She was also vice-president for welfare and equality in the college’s student union and, during college, worked with special needs children in California while on J1 visas. The Covid years put a stop to her travels, so once the restrictions were lifted, Katie set off on a five-month solo adventure to Bali, Thailand and Australia. In Bali she completed training as a yoga teacher while she also took part in two fundraising activities for the local community.
“After the Covid restrictions lifted, I said that I’d hop on a plane and see as much as I could. I love travelling, especially solo travelling. I like to be busy, to keep doing things. I want to say yes to everything because I don’t want to miss out on any opportunities,” said Katie.
For the Rose of Tralee competition, Katie was sponsored by Harry’s Burke’s Bar, Carlow, where she teaches yoga, including hosting classes that are canine friendly.
On Saturday night she was presented with a beautiful piece of jewellery, courtesy of Bramley Jewellers, and a traditional bouquet of roses, sponsored by Petals N Blooms Florist.
All of the Roses had their hair and make-up looked after by Leeno Hair Design, Anno Hair & Beauty and Lauren Prendergast.
MC Ollie Turner entertained the audience all night long, while the Roses were well looked after by former Rose of Tralee escorts Joe Walsh and Timmy Dunne, who assisted them onto the stage, under the watchful eyes of Carlow Rose Centre co-ordinator Lyn Moloney.
All 22 of the Rose Buds were chaperoned by Shauna Ray Lacey from SRL Talent Management, who had them well prepared in advance of the evening.
There were a few words from Anthony O’Gara, CEO of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, and its director of operations Steve Cronly.
Steve thanked all involved for making the Carlow Rose 2025 evening such a great success, thanking the sponsors, especially the Woodford Dolmen and for all their support leading up to the event. He also wished Katie the best of luck in August, when she competes in the 65th Rose of Tralee Festival.
