‘It’s an incredible privilege’: Kiltoom's Rose set for Tralee

By Rebekah O'Reilly

As Roscommon Rose Rebecca Collins prepares to set off for the upcoming Rose of Tralee International Festival, the Kiltoom native has spoken about the excitement of the journey ahead, the support she has received, and the experience of representing her county on the national stage.

The secondary school teacher at Our Lady's Bower in Athlone was crowned the Roscommon Rose in March of this year, after coming out on top in a field of 16 ladies vying for the title.

“All the girls were amazing, and had accomplished so much,” Rebecca said. “I was in complete shock when I was selected.”

The 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival is taking place from Friday, August 14, to Tuesday, August 18.

The headline televised selection nights, hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas and broadcast live on RTÉ One, will be held at the MTU's Kerry Sports Arena on the Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18.

Despite describing the Rose of Tralee as “a religion” in her house growing up, Rebecca’s own journey into the competition was somewhat unexpected.

It was initially her younger sister Jessica who had planned to take part this year, inspired by a friendship with a recent New Zealand Rose.

After attending a meet-and-greet event earlier this year, Jessica had every intention of entering, but a scheduling conflict ultimately prevented her from doing so.

“That’s when I said, ‘Maybe I’ll give it a go’,” Rebecca said.

She expressed her gratitude to Yvonne Donoghue, Roscommon Rose coordinator, for all her support and consideration throughout the process.

Following her selection, Rebecca said it took time to come to terms with the fact that she had been crowned.

“I don’t think it fully sank in for a few days! I was completely blown away by the kindness and support I received,” she said.

She added that the encouragement of her family, her parish of Kiltoom and Cam, her colleagues and students in Our Lady’s Bower, local businesses and the wider Roscommon community has been unmatched.

“The Roscommon Rose Centre have also been incredibly supportive from the very beginning. They really helped me settle into my new role and guided me every step of the way, which made such a difference.”

Rebecca said she felt honoured to have been chosen to represent Roscommon, and the experience of being the county's Rose has been incredibly positive.

“I’ve met so many inspiring women from all over Ireland and beyond, and everyone has been so welcoming."

One of the biggest highlights has been representing Roscommon at different events and seeing the pride people have in the county.

Rebecca also had the opportunity to visit some local primary schools, including her old school, Ballybay National School, and Curraghboy National School.

“Meeting the students and seeing how excited they were about the Rose of Tralee Festival was incredibly special. Their enthusiasm was infectious and, if anything, it made me even more excited for what’s to come.”

Rebecca said the experience has given her the opportunity to get to know her home county better.

“It’s given me the opportunity to visit different parts of Roscommon, meet local businesses, community groups and volunteers, and really appreciate everything that’s happening across the county. It has made me even prouder to call Roscommon home.”

Since her selection, she has become the Roscommon ambassador for Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides daily school meals to children in some of the world’s poorest communities, helping increase access to education.

“As a Home Economics teacher, this charity particularly resonates with me, and I’m incredibly grateful to play a small part in supporting such an important cause,” she said.

As the preparations for Tralee continue, Rebecca said the support behind her had been a county-wide effort.

“Some people say it takes a village, but in my case it feels like it’s taken the whole county to get me ready for Tralee! I feel incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful people behind me throughout this journey.”

Rebecca said she is grateful to have family, friends and colleagues travelling to Tralee to support her throughout the festival, and a special send-off gathering for her was held in Athlone Golf Club last Saturday night.

In addition, this Sunday, August 2, Rebecca is due to be in attendance in the parish of Kiltoom and Cam at Masses in both churches.

After the Masses, she will take part in a meet and greet in both local halls, and the parish is inviting all young girls and boys to meet Rebecca, as her little rose buds and buddies, and have a photo taken with her.

Ahead of the festival, she said she was feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

“More than anything I’m just looking forward to making the most of every moment," Rebecca said.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet all of the other Roses and represent Roscommon as best I can.”

For Rebecca, being a Rose is about representing her county with pride, kindness and authenticity.

“It’s about celebrating community, making connections and encouraging young women to be themselves. It’s an opportunity to showcase everything that’s special about Roscommon.”

She said the best advice she has received ahead of the festival is simply to enjoy and appreciate every moment.

“People have also reminded me to just be myself and I think that’s the best advice you can receive - stay true to yourself, embrace every opportunity and make memories that will last a lifetime,” she concluded.