Council lavishes praise on first Laois Rose at civic reception
Rose of Tralee, Katelyn with Cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council Barry Walsh, elected members of Laois Co Council, council officials, family and friends at the Civic Reception in her honour. Photo: Michael Scully
A CIVIC reception was held in Laois Co Council chambers on 10 April to honour Katelyn Cummins, the 2025 Rose of Tralee.
The event celebrated Katelyn’s achievement of becoming the first-ever Laois Rose to win the international title in the competition’s 65-year history.
Hosted by cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council Cllr Barry Walsh (FG), the reception was attended by councillors Paddy Buggy (FG), Ollie Clooney (Ind), Caroline Dwane Stanley (Ind), John Joe Fennelly (FF), John King (FG) and Tommy Mulligan (Ind) and deputies Seán Fleming (FF) and Brian Stanley (Ind). Senator Maria McCormack (SF) was also in attendance.
Also present were employees of Laois Co Council: deputy chief executive Simon Walton, director of finance and culture Julie Bergin and senior executive officer Pamela Tynan.
In his address, the cathaoirleach welcomed Katelyn, her family and friends and special guest Anthony O’Gara, CEO of the Rose of Tralee Festival.
Cllr Walsh noted the significance of Katelyn’s win for Laois, praising her not only for her success on stage but for what, he said, are the qualities that have made her a standout ambassador for the county: “You are a magnificent ambassador for the Rose of Tralee festival, bringing your charm and authenticity to Irish communities across the globe.
“You have shown us that the ‘Rose’ is not just a title but a demonstration of strength, intelligence and passion. As an apprentice electrician, you are shattering stereotypes and inspiring young people throughout Ireland and around the world to pursue their dreams.” Katelyn, who grew up on a dairy farm in Ballyouskill as the eldest of three children, is an apprentice electrician, whose advocacy for apprenticeships, vocational education and women in STEM has earned widespread recognition.
The cathaoirleach also paid tribute to the community support Katelyn has received, acknowledging her family, supporters, sponsors and the Laois Rose of Tralee committee.
Katelyn also spoke at the event. Thanking her community, she said: “The support that every single one of you have given me over the last seven months and over the last 12 months has meant so much to me.
“I just want to say I’m so grateful for every single one of you for everything you’ve done for me over the past 12 months, but also throughout my whole life.” Katelyn was presented with a certificate of recognition, a bouquet of flowers and a gift of a crystal glass vase to mark the occasion.
