Community
PHOTOS Limerick Rose Leah McMahon given rapturous homecoming at The George Hotel
Limerick Rose Leah McMahon given rapturous homecoming at The George Hotel. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Limerick Rose Leah McMahon has received a rapturous homecoming as she returned to her hometown wearing the iconic silk sash
Limerick woman Leah McMahon will fly the flag for her alma mater as well as her county when she dons the iconic silk sash at this year’s Rose of Tralee contest.
Rose of Tralee festival is beginning to bloom as Limerick Rose, Leah McMahon, returned to Limerick for a rapturous homecoming on Tuesday, August 12, at a special homecoming event at The George Hotel.
Leah, 29, who is originally from Southill and spent her teens growing up in Castletroy, was selected as the Limerick Rose in May. A proud University of Limerick alumna, Leah completed the Bachelor of Business Studies at Kemmy Business School in 2019 and has since forged a successful career in financial planning.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Leah will represent the city and county at the internationally celebrated event. McMahon, alongside her fellow Roses arrived at the George Hotel to a beautiful reception of family, friends, and supporters.
Leah said, “I am super excited to be here at the George, and I am so delighted to be home in Limerick. I am so proud to be here showing off Limerick, showing how amazing it is, showing our people! The support when we got off the bus was absolutely amazing!”
The Limerick Rose noted she could hardly contain her excitement, saying she “nearly ran down the aisle” of the bus to get off and see her family, friends, and Limerick supporters.
“ My little girl was there when I got off the bus,” said Leah, adding, “And it’s just showing her 32 Roses. Women, strong! It’s inspiring, we’re having the time of our lives.”
Leah says being part of the festival has been “absolutely amazing”, saying, “There are other roses from all across the world, all across Ireland, and we just got together in real womanhood’s spirit, support each other, lift each other up, and we’re so excited for the festival from Friday to Tuesday.”
This year’s Rose of Tralee festival begins on Friday, August 15 and culminates on Tuesday, August 19, including the opening ceremony and televised selection nights.
“It’s just phenomenal. The support, the empowerment,” said Leah, who isn’t letting the experience pass her by, telling I Love Limerick, “It’s a celebration of Irish women; how strong we are, how confident we are, how we can take over the world and just keep going. I’m loving every moment of it.”
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Limerick band Puppets to play debut show in The Record Room on Friday, August 28
Get Creative at The Painted Pot – Pottery Fun for All Ages at Barnagh Greenway Hub
The Hunt Museum offers a stellar line up of events for National Heritage Week 2026
Social Farming Connects Limerick Communities
5 events in Limerick this weekend, August 14 – August 16
5 events in Limerick this weekend, August 14 – August 16
A Tribute to Costellos Tavern- Sticky Floor, Mon Amour
Limerick hurlers bring a smile to Children’s Ark at University Hospital Limerick
WATCH Limerick Back on top as Treaty Men Crowned 2026 All Ireland Hurling Champions
