“I can’t predict when it will hit me,” she expressed. “But when I witnessed the girls approaching me and we made eye contact, I was taken aback—in the most incredible way.” The 2023 International Rose of Tralee, New York Rose Róisín Wiley, was officially announced as the winner during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU on August 22nd. Róisín, who grew up as an Irish-American in New York, shared, “Being Irish is usually the first topic of conversation when I meet someone new. I am immensely proud to represent Ireland in New York.” This year, the hosting duties were divided for the first time in history, with Kathryn Thomas joining the much-loved format led by Dáithí Ó Sé. The evening was filled with line dancing, leg waxing, and heartfelt moments shared among proud family members and supporters. The crowd, carrying glitter-filled banners, erupted in applause as each Rose graced the stage. The Cork Rose, Kate Shaughnessy, had life-size cut-outs of her as a nursing home care coordinator, while the German Rose’s supporters donned purple t-shirts with a simple slogan expressing their desire for Megan Wolf to win. Kathryn Thomas amusingly revealed her attempt to have a pole installed on stage, so her co-host Dáithí Ó Sé could try his hand at the German Rose’s hobby of pole-dancing. “Give me a year!” joked the RTÉ star. On the second selection night, Dáithí Ó Sé thrilled the audience by waxing his legs live on national television. The evening was filled with surprises, including an impromptu quiz for the Carlow Rose and the presentation of a birthday cake to the 88-year-old grandmother of the Washington DC Rose. Kathryn Thomas, dressed stylishly in pink, hugged each Rose as they stepped on stage. She borrowed the sash of the Carlow Rose and exclaimed, “Let’s do this, girl!” New Zealand Rose KelsI Wallace entertained the audience with a tin whistle performance and a lively jig. Amidst the songs, dances, and comedic moments from the hosts, there were also poignant stories of grief, loss, and heartache that left few eyes dry in the audience. Clare Rose Aisling O’Connor shared her experience of losing both parents within a few years apart, drawing tears of admiration from Kathryn Thomas. The support and communal spirit of the Irish people were highlighted by Aisling, who expressed deep gratitude for the anonymous dinners her neighbors left for her and her brothers during their difficult times. “That’s the essence of being Irish—no one is left behind. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone,” she said. In a touching moment, Kathryn Thomas embraced Aisling as she received a standing ovation after a poignant ballet dance to Dermot Kennedy’s “Better Days.” Texas Rose Eden Kasprak emotionally shared her experience as a court advocate for young children, recounting her volunteer work with families affected by the Uvalde school shooting. She surprised the audience by lifting her glittering black dress to reveal white cowboy boots and teaching them a line dance routine, as her bedazzled parents proudly watched from the audience. Dáithí Ó Sé, in a Texan-style blazer, abandoned the rehearsed steps and grooved freestyle to the beat of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” South Australia Rose Charlotte Burton opened up about her autism and the challenges she faced entering the contest, emphasizing the importance of asking for help when needed. She commended the small adjustments that can make a significant impact during overwhelming moments. The show also featured heartfelt performances from Roses who shared personal stories. Sydney Rose Aoife Butler sang a song dedicated to her grandmother and requested the audience’s support to help her navigate through emotional moments. Aoife also shared her brother’s tragic passing in Australia, urging people to reach out and seek help if they are struggling. She reminded everyone that they are loved and wanted in this world and that there are people who will hold hope for them when they have none. Kerry Rose Kelsey Lang McCarthy, the final Rose to grace the stage, expressed how watching her fellow contestants interact with Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas helped calm her nerves. Prior to the show, Kelsey mentioned that receiving a comforting hug from Kathryn Thomas upon entering the stage made her feel at ease. “When I observed that, I thought, ‘Okay, she’s going to give me a little hug, and I’ll be fine.’ She’s fantastic.”
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