Meet Leitrim's six Rose of Tralee finalists

The Leitrim Rose of Tralee selection is taking place this Friday night, June 21st in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Here are the six candidates hoping to represent Leitrim at this year's event.

Ciara Bohan
My name is Ciara Bohan. I am 27 years old and I am from Fenagh in Co. Leitrim. I work full time as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in a secondary school and I am also self-employed with the Leitrim Sports Partnership as a tutor working with all different age groups and abilities around Leitrim.
I’m a qualified fitness instructor and have a passion for health and wellness! I play with my local GAA club, Fenagh Ladies and have grown up playing sport. I enjoy playing and coaching at my club, having coached different age groups within Fenagh St Caillins. I have been involved with different community activities and teams whether it’s U12, U14, U15, U16, Feile, Gaelic 4 Mothers + Others, etc.
I hope to progress on with my studies and do a part time strength and conditioning course and in a few years hope to progress on to do Physical Education to become a Secondary School Teacher and an SEN Co-Ordinator.
I love socializing and meeting new people. I’m a very outgoing person and love trying new things. I enjoy hikes, walking, listening to Irish traditional music and country music. I have a grá for jiving, line dancing, set dancing, Irish dancing. I am very proud of my Irish culture and in my spare time, I am currently trying to improve my Irish.

Saoirse Lynch
My name is Saoirse Lynch. I am 23 years old and from Carrigallen. I am a Qualified Social Care Practitioner and am currently working in a children’s Residential Home here in County Leitrim.
I am just home from travelling around South East Asia, and I am delighted to be able to enter into the selection for the Leitrim Rose, as it has been a dream of mine for a while now.
I love travelling and meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and so far I have been to 17 countries and I cannot wait to visit more.
I am really looking forward to the selection night on Friday and I would like to thank Brian and all his staff at HJ Byrne Estate Agents for sponsoring me and also thank my family and friends, and all my community for their support.

Ciara McKenny
Hello, my name is Ciara McKenny from Dromahair. I’m 25 years old. I’m a secondary school teacher in Longford. I’m passionate, loyal, respectful, caring and trustworthy. I adore getting to know new people and various cultures. I enjoy partaking in new experiences.
I wish to partake in the Rose selection night as I aspire to make new friends, build on my self-confidence and enjoy this opportunity. I’m proud to say I’m part of my local Gaelic football team.
I adore volunteering, fundraising and helping others. I’ve just returned from volunteering in France. By partaking in the Rose selection night I’m achieving a lifelong dream. I’m thrilled to represent Dromahair and the Riverbank restaurant.

Lorna McKernan
My name is Lorna McKernan, I am 20 years old and from Drumreilly. I am a past student of Drumlea National School and Ballinamore Community School. I have just completed my second year of the Bachelor of Education programme in Mary Immaculate College Limerick, where I am studying to become a primary school teacher.
I love to travel and explore new places and I would love the opportunity to work abroad in the future. I enjoy music and live performances, recently joining MIDAS, a college society. I would like to thank my sponsor Drumcoura City for supporting me in the Leitrim Rose selection.

Shauna Murtagh
Hello, my name is Shauna Murtagh and I am 23 years old. I live in Carrick-on-Shannon and went to school in Gaelscoil Liatroma and Carrick-on-Shannon Community School. I recently completed my four-year degree in Global Commerce at University of Galway.
I am currently working in Cryan’s Hotel who is my sponsor for the selections of the Leitrim Rose. My hobbies include rowing, reading and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to a great night on Friday with the girls.

Órla McNabola
Órla McNabola (26) is an Irish language teacher and proud native of Carrick-on-Shannon. From the experience of summers working with teenagers on Gaeltacht courses to hosting her Irish-language radio show with Shannonside FM, Órla’s passion for Irish language and culture runs deep.
Set to commence a new post with Conradh na Gaeilge this June, Órla looks forward to this opportunity to travel the country and highlight to secondary school students around Ireland their many opportunities with Gaeilge after school.
Órla loves spending time with her friends and family, meeting new people and helping others. She is very much looking forward to taking part in this year’s Leitrim Rose Selection this year.