Longford Rose hoping to take the title for this year's Rose of Tralee

Sara-Lee Greene, Longford Rose for 2025, will be preparing for the Rose of Tralee, which takes place on Friday, August 15, had a chat with the ‘Longford Leader’ about how the experience has been for her. 

The Edgeworthstown candidate, who now works as a mental health nurse, plans on singing for the televised appearance in hopes of winning. With her name put forward by a lady she worked with, Sara-Lee decided to give it a go, and ultimately caught the attention of the judges. 

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“You meet the other girls beforehand and the coordinators at the Longford Centre. On the day you go in and meet everybody, there are individual and group individuals throughout the day. In the evening there is the show on the stage. It’s a good bit of fun,” she said when asked about how she was selected. 

Sara-Lee has described being the Rose as a great way to meet new people. Adding that it has made her feel more confident in herself, she has a long-term goal for those who may try to be a Rose in the future. 

“I hope to be a role model in Longford for younger girls. There’s no ‘one type of person.’ I’m hoping for the younger girls that they could take some inspiration.

“My biggest advice is to be yourself no matter who you are. Whatever it is you want to do, nothing is stopping you. Just go for it, if you want it.”

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Proud that she is representing Irish women and Longford, Sara-Lee has considered it to be a surreal experience, and has praised the kind support that she has received from her community.  

The Rose of Tralee will be aired on RTÉ on Monday, August 18.