Galway – Rosie Burke

My name is Rosie. I’m 23, and hail from the close parish of Ballinderreen in South Galway where I live with my parents PJ and Claire, brother Michael and sister Bláthnaid. I have many interests and hobbies. I come from a very musical household. My parents afforded myself and my siblings every opportunity to learn and practise music from a young age. I sing, play the concertina, piano and guitar. Michael, Bláthanid and I regularly play gigs, functions and charity fundraisers around home and Galway. We have taken part in many a Fleadh Cheoil over the years with Kilnadeema Comhaltas. Growing up, I always had a love of animals and the outdoors. I was exposed to agricultural livelihood from a young age by my father. This planted a seed in my mind from the tender age of four, when I decided I wanted to be a vet. Having spent five years studying at UCD, that dream finally came true as I qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon this May. I have had five unforgettable years in UCD where I made lifelong friendships with the most amazing people. The veterinary faculty is a tight-knit community and has been an invaluable support network throughout my years of study. I am active and love keeping fit. I believe that a healthy body is a healthy mind and for me, exercise has been a really positive way to clear my mind from study. I play camogie with Ballinderreen and in more recent years, have become an avid gym-goer. I love travelling, and am fortunate to have had opportunities to see parts of the world, meet new people and experience different cultures. But I am a proud Galway Girl at heart with a grá for Ireland, the Irish language and culture.