With no Wicklow Rose this year in the world famous Rose of Tralee Michael Kelly of Candy’s Costcutters in Carnew is urging the people of Wicklow to get behind former employee Aoife Butler who is representing Sydney.
Speaking to Wicklownews Michael said: ” I know it’s a cliche, she is one in a million, I can’t speak highly enough of Aoife, she worked here with us before leaving to follow her dream in Sydney. In the time she worked here she made friends with everyone, had time for co-workers and especially the customers, she is well known here in Carnew, Tinahely and of course Askamore, she is one of our own and we will claim her as our Wicklow Rose, it would be lovely to welcome here back here as the Rose of Tralee later in the month. We wish her the best of luck.”
In her Rose Bio 28 year old Aoife said “I came to Australia four years ago, to follow my late brother Matthew’s dreams. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental health nursing, I made the move in 2019 to travel and experience the place where my brother spent the last years of his life. I am now an Australian permanent resident and hope to get my citizenship in the near future. I am working as a mental health clinical nurse educator in St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney while also studying my Masters in Mental Health. I am very passionate about mental health, including honouring my late brother’s memory. I am proud to be representing Sydney during their 60th anniversary year, for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, it is so heart-warming to see the joy it has brought to my family & community both at home in Ireland and in Australia. I hope to be a positive role model for young people, knowing that despite the challenges you may face in life, if you keep working hard and believing in yourself you truly can do anything!
The Rose of Tralee runs from August 18th – August 22nd. Roses representing Ireland and abroad will take to the stage at the Dome in the Kerry Sports Academy at the MTU on August 21st and 22nd.
