2025 Winner Rose of Tralee

Jane Quinn • May 26, 2025

2025 New Rose of Tralee Winner

Wellington’s Ciara Jo Hanlon took out the title at the end of the weekend at the Rose Ball held at the Addington Events Centre.

Hanlon said, “It means the world to both me and my family. The Rose of Tralee is something I’ve watched since I was a kid and way back then I made a promise that one day I’d give it a go. When I heard my name called out last night I was in disbelief. I’d love to go back to younger me and tell her the rollercoaster and wonderful life that was ahead of her.”

What made the event even more special was that the 2024 International Rose of Tralee, who is also the 2024 NZ Rose – Christchurch local Keely O’Grady, was home from Ireland for the transfer of the NZ title.

O’Grady said, “Handing over the NZ Rose sash to Ciara Jo was such a surreal and emotional moment. On one hand, I felt this immense pride reflecting on the year that had been, representing NZ, the values and spirit of our Kiwi culture and Irish diaspora on the international stage. And on the other hand, I was just so excited to pass the torch to someone like CJ who is so vibrant, and genuine.”

“Watching her step into the role reminded me of that same nervous-excited energy I had this time last year and I know she’s



Continuing Our Celebration of St Brigid's Day

By Jane Quinn • January 28, 2026
Continuing our celebration of St Brigid's Day. In collaboration with IBNNZ, St Patrick's Festival NZ, Embassy of Ireland New Zealand, and Mná na hÉireann we will be celebrating exceptional women in NZ. Brigid is the patron saint of poets. But that’s not all – she’s also the patron saint of midwives, newborns, Irish nuns, fugitives, blacksmiths, dairymaids, boatmen, chicken farmers, cattle, scholars, sailors, and no doubt many more. She is also, along with Patrick and Columcille, one of the three patron saints of Ireland. 1st of February - also marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Continuing Our Celebration of St Brigid's Day

By Jane Quinn • January 28, 2026
Continuing our celebration of St Brigid's Day. In collaboration with IBNNZ, St Patrick's Festival NZ, Embassy of Ireland New Zealand, and Mná na hÉireann we will be celebrating exceptional women in NZ. Brigid is the patron saint of poets. But that’s not all – she’s also the patron saint of midwives, newborns, Irish nuns, fugitives, blacksmiths, dairymaids, boatmen, chicken farmers, cattle, scholars, sailors, and no doubt many more. She is also, along with Patrick and Columcille, one of the three patron saints of Ireland. 1st of February - also marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Celebrating St Brigid's Day

By Jane Quinn • January 28, 2026
This week we celebrate St Brigid's Day. In collaboration with IBNNZ, St Patrick's Festival NZ, Embassy of Ireland New Zealand, and Mná na hÉireann we will be celebrating exceptional women in NZ. Brigid is the patron saint of poets. But that’s not all – she’s also the patron saint of midwives, newborns, Irish nuns, fugitives, blacksmiths, dairymaids, boatmen, chicken farmers, cattle, scholars, sailors, and no doubt many more. She is also, along with Patrick and Columcille, one of the three patron saints of Ireland. 1st of February - also marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.