Donegal Rose Chloe Kennedy has opened up about her tough battle with cancer during tonight’s Rose of Tralee interviews.
Chloe was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year.
The 20-year-old, who is a student, described that her doctor “said he knew from the start what it was” when she brought up her symptoms.
“It didnt feel real,” she described to host Daithi O’Shea.
“It was kind of like I was floating above myself.”
However, Chloe took her strength from her family during her battle.
“I knew we could get through it we’re a strong family. I knew we could get through it and we did.”
10/10 #Donegalrose #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/gwp7hlLzPf
— Siobhan (@shhooosh) August 27, 2019
While her cancer diagnosis was difficult, she told the audience that her good relationship with the nurses helped her through.
“Going to chemo, you were dreading it but also looking forward to it to see the nurses and have the craic.”
When asked by Daithi how it felt to hear the news that she got the all-clear, she said: “Its phenomenal, its the best feeling in the world and I hope so many people who get that diagnosis hear that as well.”
Viewers took to social media to commend Chloe for her bravery:
My money’s on the stunning Donegal Rose. First thing I’d do is commission a reality show featuring her and Majella O’Donnell called The Sesh where they travel to various pubs around Ireland and just get wrecked.#RoseOfTralee
— Niecy O’Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 27, 2019
I’m calling it Donegal Rose is going to win. #roseoftralee
— Daniel Lynch (@TheDanielLynch) August 27, 2019
So Beautiful, Pure and So kind hearted! ❤️ Chloe, we’re all so proud of you here in Donegal! Hup Chloe, Hup the sesh ???????? #RoseofTralee #Chloe #DonegalAbú https://t.co/dNyN7TOX3C
— Rebecca O’Connor (@beccaoconnor) August 27, 2019
Haven’t seen a more nailed on winner of #RoseofTralee since Maria Walsh – if the Donegal Rose doesn’t win I demand a recount !!!! ????????
— Niall Horan (@niallhoran) August 27, 2019
What a wonderful representative for Donegal there. Such a fantastic young lady. Nice touch by Majella O’Donnell too ???? #donegalrose #RoseOfTralee2019 #RoseofTralee
— Donna Martin (@DonnaMartin03) August 27, 2019
@RTEOne Delighted to see the Donegal rose back to full health! Fantastic young woman. I don’t think I ever managed to go on a “sesh” when I had chemo for lymphoma. Legend! #RoseofTralee
— Michael Hanley (@MikeHanley) August 27, 2019
