Chicago – Maggie McEldowney

I am thrilled to represent Chicago in the Rose of Tralee Festival! There is such a strong Irish presence in Chicago, particularly on the south side where I’m from... where the craic is always best! I am a 27 year-old Chicago native working as the Director of Development at Marist High School. I am passionate about raising money for families who could not otherwise afford Catholic education.After earning the Chick Evans Scholarship to the University of Illinois, I graduated with a degree in Media Studies in 2011. I am actively involved in the Chick Evans Scholar Alumni Community. In my free time, I serve on the Board of the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, a committee responsible for coordinating fundraisers that celebrate Irish culture. In 2015, I ran the Chicago Marathon raising money for local charities. I volunteer my time at Chicago events such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala, the American Ireland Fund Green Gala, and Mulliganeers fundraisers. I understand the tremendous impact a Rose can have on the lives of others, and will continue that tradition wholeheartedly as the 2016 Chicago Rose. My grandmother, Brigid O’Neill, was born and raised in Maghera, Co. Derry. The McEldowney’s hail from Draperstown, Co. Derry. Father Seamus O’Neill, my dad’s cousin, is a devout member of the St. Patrick’s Society for the Foreign Missions, located in Co. Wicklow.My family, friends, and neighbors’ outpouring of support over the last few weeks has been overwhelming. It is an honor to be your 2016 Chicago Rose, and I hope to leave a lasting impression on Chicago and the Rose of Tralee Festival!