PHOTOS: "I'm so excited!" Canada's Rose of Tralee contestant grew up in Kildare

Former Newbridge, Co Kildare resident Ciara Confrey (26) has been selected as Western Canada’s Rose Representative for the Rose of Tralee later this month. 

The Rose of Tralee International Festival runs from Friday, August 15h to Tuesday, August 19th.

Ciara, who is a mother to a one-year-old child, was born in Dublin in the late 90s, and lived primarily in Newbridge until she moved to Calgary, Canada in early 2015.

She entered into the Western Canada Rose of Tralee selections as a way to meet fellow Irishwomen living in Canada, and to connect with those with Irish heritage and make some sincere friendships after having her daughter, Mia.

Ciara’s grandmother, Trudy, still resides in Newbridge, along with many other family members and friends that have given her constant support throughout her journey to become Western Canada’s Rose.

Ciara said: "I moved to Calgary, Canada when I was 15 and have been here ever since!

"I transferred to high school here and went on to pursue a career in Medical Esthetics through Delmar College, where I graduated with honours in 2019.

"Since then, I have gone on to work in some of the top ranked clinics in Calgary, became an educator at the college I graduated from and then went on to being the Admission Advisor and Director for that college.

"I have won various awards for singing, dancing and acting and also have created programs in which services are offered at no cost to the parents residing at the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary.

"In my spare time I love singing, painting, baking, and spending time with my daughter, Mia, who is almost 1 year old!

"I’m so excited for this journey and can’t wait to meet all my fellow Roses!"

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