2025 Winner Rose of Tralee
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
