Offaly – Emma Kirwan

Being 18 years old, I’m honoured to say that I, Emma, am the 2016 Offaly Rose. Growing up I was the tomboy in the house playing all kinds of sport, from GAA to rugby, and showing a huge interest in engineering. I would head out to the shed where Dad would be slaving away at making something, and I’d always try and twist his arm to let me do a bit of welding, and of course being the youngest girl, it would work. I’m just finished secondary school, and awaiting that dreaded letter with the results of my leaving certificate, which should arrive when I’m in Tralee on the 17th of August. I plan on studying aeronautical engineering, in UL, in September. (Fingers crossed.) I have a huge interest in flying and I hope to pursue a career in flying for the air corps someday. I also play soccer and camogie. I played with my county for five years in total, three with the camogie team and two with the ladies football team. In the early days of secondary school I played on the lads’ football team, starting corner forward. We went on that year to win a Leinster final, and it was a surreal experience, a game which I will never forget. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love sport and they were surprised to hear that my talent for the Rose of Tralee didn’t involve a hurl or a football. This whole experience still hasn’t sunk in, and I don’t think it will. The support from everyone so far has been amazing. I’ve received cards in the post and any amount of phone calls, all wishing me luck. I just hope I can do the parish of Killeigh and the county of Offaly proud in the mighty Dome in Tralee.