New Zealand’s Keely O’Grady plans to “enjoy the moment” after being crowned the 2024 International Rose of Tralee in Kerry last night.

The 21-year-old speech and language therapy student impressed the judging panel with her dancing skills and on-stage interview, becoming the competition's 64th winner.

This year, 32 contestants participated in the Rose of Tralee, including entries from Ohio, Melbourne, Dubai, New York and various individual counties.

On Newstalk Breakfast today, Ms O’Grady, feeling “thankful and excited,” said she never expected to win the competition.

“I didn’t think I was a popular choice at all,” she said.

“Not because I don’t think I’m capable of it, just because it’s a bit different coming to the Rose of Tralee from an international Rose perspective, especially from New Zealand, which is so far away.”

New Zealand

Ms O’Grady said the Rose of Tralee is “not big at all” back home.

“I got involved because my dad had been wanting me to do it for a while, and I also knew of last year’s New Zealand Rose, Kelsey Wallace,” she said.

“I followed her journey throughout the 2023 Rose tour and seeing her do that made me interested.

“Also, my dad wanting me to take part inspired me to give it a go.”

Keeley O Grady shows off her dancing skills. Image: Rose of Tralee.

She said it was a daunting experience taking to the stage in Tralee.

“I was so nervous the whole day leading up to my interview time, and as soon as I stepped out on stage, it was completely fine,” she said.

“I was never nervous about the performance piece because I love dancing and was excited to show everyone my passion for it.

“I was nervous about the interview piece but once that went away, I honestly had a really, really fun time out there.”

Aspirations

Ms O’Grady said her ideas on what the festival entailed turned out to be wrong.

“I haven’t been involved with or grown up with the Rose throughout my whole life,” she said.

“I definitely came into it with preconceived ideas and expectations that the Rose tour and the festival completely disproved.

“It’s an amazing experience for any woman of Irish culture; it celebrates our confidence, achievements, aspirations and it was amazing to have been a part of it.”

Asked what’s next in store, Ms O’Grady said she plans to “just enjoy this moment” for now.

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Main image: Keeley O'Grady from New Zealand on the Rose of Tralee Stage on Monday, 19 August. Image: Rose of Tralee