WATCH: Interview with Tipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy on her Rose journey so far
Fiona opens up on representing Tipperary, her Rose journey and what it means to her
The 2026 Roses of Tralee received a warm welcome at Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall on Tuesday, August 11, as the 32 contestants made a special stop at the famous landmark on their journey to Tralee.
Among them was 2026 Tipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy, from Clonmel, who has been proudly representing the Premier County throughout her Rose journey.
Fiona was crowned Tipperary Rose following the county selection night in May, when 23 entrants from across the county competed for the title.
A Home Economics and Religion teacher at Patrician Presentation Secondary School in Fethard.
On Tuesday, she joined the other 31 Roses at Barack Obama Plaza, where they were welcomed by Supermac’s Managing Director Pat McDonagh for an afternoon of Irish music, dancing, food and entertainment.
The visit gave the Roses, who represent communities throughout Ireland and across the world, an opportunity to enjoy some traditional Irish hospitality before continuing their journey to Kerry.
The reception was hosted by Rose of Tralee Committee Member Ollie Turner and included performances from champion Irish dancers Saoirse and Lucy, along with live music and entertainment.
There was also plenty of fun as some of the Roses went behind the Supermac’s counter to try their hand at making the famous ice creams, while others took customer orders.
The afternoon concluded with a group photograph at the Barack Obama statue, one of the Plaza’s best-known attractions, before the Roses continued their journey towards Tralee.
Fiona will now join the other Roses for the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which gets underway on Friday, August 14.
It has been 18 years since Tipperary last produced the winning Rose, when Aoife Kelly took the title in 2008.
With Fiona now flying the flag for the Premier County, Tipperary will be hoping she can bring the title home once again.
Watch our video interview with Fiona Kennedy above as she talks to Tipperary Live about her Rose experience and representing Tipperary.