Kate Heneghan, who is representing Mayo in the Rose Of Tralee 2023, has spoken about the pressure of being the early favourite to win.
The international festival, which will be hosted by Dáithà Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, will run from Friday, August 18 until Tuesday, August 22.
32 Roses will represent the Irish diaspora worldwide this year from Rose Centres across Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
Mayo’s Kate Heneghan has been made the early favourite to win, with BoyleSports making her a 5/1 shot to be crowned the winner at this month’s festival.
The 27-year-old, who hails from Castlebar, boasts a Masters in Music composition on her impressive CV.
The keen harpist has already toured the world as a musician, and she also teaches Irish traditional and classical music.
Speaking to Goss.ie at the official launch of the festival on Tuesday morning, Kate revealed whether she’s feeling the pressure after being backed as the favourite to win.
She told us: “I’m a totally laid back person so not at all. I’m really not getting preoccupied with any of the outside buzz. My main focus coming into this festival, and when I entered the Mayo Rose, was to make friendships and develop bonds with women. So that’s my main focus right now.”
“The Rose of Tralee is obviously open for everyone and anyone to enjoy, and it connects the global Irish diaspora in Tralee every year. Hundreds of thousands of people come every year, but I’m very aware that to be experiencing the festival as a Rose is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. So right now, that is my main focus.”
“I’m trying to be as present as I can when I’m doing activities and when meeting people. We’ve been treated like royalty. It’s been an incredible tour so far,” Kate added.
When asked what it would mean to her to win the Rose Of Tralee, the musician told us: “It would be an incredible honour, but to be even selected as the Mayo Rose and to be representing my county and my community on this renowned international stage is already an honour.”
“I really mean it when I say that if any of the girls were selected to be an ambassador, and to be a spokesperson and a representative of the festival, I’d be so proud because they are fantastic, accomplished women with inspiring stories, goals and aspirations.”
“I’m just delighted to be a part of it all and to be celebrating Irish culture and Irish women.”
