'We don't need to follow tradition' - Apprentice electrician crowned Rose of Tralee 2025

Katelyn Cummins, an apprentice electrician and winner of two county camogie finals has been crowned this year's Rose of Tralee.

20-year-old Katelyn, from Ballyouskill on the Laois/Kilkenny border, lives in Laois and works in Alpha Drives in the J17 National Enterprise Park, Portlaoise, making control panels for motors in their workshop and is currently in her third phase of an electrical apprenticeship.

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Growing up on a dairy farm, Katelyn said her love for the outdoors blossomed as a young child and describes herself as "outgoing and adventurous who truly thrives on socialising and meeting new people".

Not only is Katelyn proudly challenging gender norms as the only female electrician in her workplace, she has also won two county finals while playing camogie with her local club and is also the chairperson of the North Kilkenny Macra club.

The Laois Rose impressed the judges with her jiving skills, bubbly personality and love of Laois.

Pictured: Katelyn with her parents Noel and Siobhan at the Laois Rose Selection Night. Photo: The Leinster Express

Once she was crowned, Katelyn's first words were to graciously thank her parents and the 31 women on stage behind her.

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In an interview after her incredible win, Katelyn said she "absolutely loves it" when people ask her about being an apprentice electrician.

"I think it's great to get the awareness out there that women can do whatever we want, and we don't need a statement around it. We don't need to follow tradition by going to college or anything like that," she added.

Kathryn Thomas then asked her what advice she would give her six-year-old self, she replied,

"Be confident in yourself and believe in yourself, and know that I'm going to be amazing in the future."

The Rose of Tralee has been hit with negative criticism over the years, with many labelling the competition and degrading to women and likening it to Father Ted's 'Lovely Girls' competition, but the new Rose couldn't agree less.

"I do think that the Rose of Tralee has been an amazing festival for the past 10 days for me and I made friends for life, and I think that's what needs to be shared more," she said.

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"We have such an incredible experience, and we'd make friendships for life, and we really do, and the experiences we have, the things we do, the people we meet, it's an experience like no other.

"I don't think there's anything like the Rose of Tralee."

The Rose then hinted to presenter Kathryn Thomas that someday, she may establish her own electrical business 'powered' by women.

Congratulations to the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins!