Soracha reflects on 'fabulous' Rose of Tralee experience

When 25-year-old Soracha McGrath boarded her Aer Lingus flight from Washington to Dublin this summer, she expected little more than a long overnight journey home. What she got instead set the tone for the two weeks that followed.

“I was sitting in my seat when this lovely air hostess came over to me and asked, ‘Are you the Washington D.C. Rose by any chance?’” Soracha told the Western People last week. “The next thing I knew, they were upgrading me, giving me champagne, and announcing me over the intercom. I got so many shout-outs. They made me feel like one in a million.” 

That unexpected upgrade was more than a travel perk; it was the start of an unforgettable adventure as Soracha took her place among the international group of young women competing in the 2025 Rose of Tralee Festival. 

“It was the most fabulous time ever,” she said. “I loved every second of it.” 

Born in Dublin and raised partly in Claremorris before moving to the United States in her early teens, Soracha had always associated the Rose of Tralee with family. 

“My Nana Carmel, who sadly passed away last year, would always make us watch it together every summer,” she said. “It was our tradition.” 

That tradition shaped her dream of one day wearing the sash herself.

In April 2025, she realised that dream when she was crowned the Washington D.C. Rose. A graduate of UCD in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, she now works at the World Bank as a Junior Professional Associate. But amid the spreadsheets and policy discussions, the Rose of Tralee offered something different: a chance to connect with her heritage and represent her community on an international stage.

After touching down in Dublin and taking two days to prepare - “hair, nails, make-up - the whole shebang” - Soracha joined the official Rose tour in Meath. 

“That’s when it all kicked off,” she said.

The Roses travelled across the country, from Dublin to Kenmare and on to Tralee, with stops at landmarks and community centres along the way. One highlight was Barack Obama Plaza, just off the M3 in Co Tipperary, where the Roses were greeted like celebrities. 

“The amount of people that came out just to see us at every stop was so cool,” she remembered.

The tour itself was fully funded, but Soracha did highlight the challenges faced by international Roses.

“The dresses, the hair - that’s all personally funded or sponsored locally. For those of us abroad, we don’t have the same connections to boutiques or businesses that the Irish Roses do. It can be a real financial burden. I’d say to anyone thinking of entering: just be prepared.” 

When the Roses reached Tralee, they were introduced to their Rosebuds, Rose Buddies, and Escorts. Soracha’s escort, Evan from Cork, was “such a gentleman,”. 

“He was great - so supportive and kind.” 

The days were packed with activities, from photo shoots to circus trips, GAA matches, and dog racing. Evenings often ended in music sessions at the hotel or local pubs, with families and friends joining the celebrations. 

“It was such a lovely way to unwind and be together after busy days,” she said.

Then came the parades. Dressed in gowns and carried on floats through the streets of Tralee, the Roses were greeted by throngs of spectators. 

“They told us there were about 20,000 people there,” Soracha said. “The amount of enthusiasm and support was just incredible. It was emotional - something you can only experience once in a lifetime.” 

Her television appearance came on the first night. 

“I was second out, which was a relief,” she said. “It meant I could relax and enjoy the rest of the show afterwards.” 

There were surreal moments too, such as meeting Daniel O’Donnell backstage.

After the final, which saw Katelyn Cummins, the Laois Rose, crowned, there was one last celebration before Soracha returned to Dublin with her parents. With limited leave from work, she flew back to Washington shortly after. By Monday morning, she was back at her desk at the World Bank.

“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it,” she admitted. “I had just spent two weeks living one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and suddenly I was back doing Excel spreadsheets. It felt like it had all been a dream.” 

For Soracha, the Rose of Tralee was never about competition. 

“This isn’t a beauty pageant,” she insisted. “It’s about representation, voice, and connection. You meet women from all walks of life - doctors, teachers, students, entrepreneurs - and what unites us is this shared love of our heritage.” 

Looking back, she describes the whole journey as a “full-circle moment".

“I started out watching the Roses with my Nana in Claremorris,” she said. “To be one of them now - it’s surreal, but deeply meaningful. It was a terrific experience.”