Noel and Siobhan Cummins are proud as punch as their daughter Katelyn is all set to represent Laois at the Rose of Tralee this year.
The pair sat down with LaoisToday in Kerry yesterday during what has already been an amazing time for their family.
Noel and Siobhan are dairy farmers from Ballyouskill and while their daughter Katelyn is a trainee electrician, she also helps out at home.
Dad Noel said: “Katelyn has worked on the farm since she was very young and has been a great help.
“She hasn’t been around as much since becoming Laois Rose but it is great that she is busy in her own way.”
But how did their daughter even become interested in the Rose of Tralee in the first place?
Mam Siobhan said: “She was asked to do it two years ago and she was doing the Leaving Cert so she wasn’t really ready for it.
“And then two years later, Noel saw it on Facebook and asked her if she was still interested. Katelyn said it was in the back of her mind and had been thinking about it.
“Before she went to apply, she said she would only go for it if Noel would make a deal with her – that deal was that if she got it, he bought all the dresses!”
Looking back on the Laois selection night, mam Siobhan recalled how proud she felt when her daughter was named the winner.
She said: “When we heard her name being called out, I was overwhelmed at first.
“I was shocked because all the other ladies were beautiful but we were delighted and so proud of Katelyn.
And what has the reaction been like at home?
Siobhan said: “We feel like celebrities since Katelyn has became the Laois Rose!”
Noel added: “The reaction in Ballyouskil has been amazing, there have been cards, visits, texts, calls, and good luck wishes. Everyone has been so supportive.”
While this is Katelyn’s first time in Tralee for the festival, dad Noel is not a novice.
He said: “I came down to the festival forty years ago as a young lad, so it’s a big difference coming down this time around.
“My friends have said to me that I will have to behave this time in contrast to when I was down then,” he laughed.
Like their daughter, Noel and Siobhan are very appreciative to the people of Laois for all the support they have given Katelyn since she became Laois Rose.
They also had some advice for anyone who wishes to go forward in the future – just do it.
Siobhan said: “I would tell any woman who wishes to enter that they should just do it – it’s a once in a lifetime experience.”
Noel said: “It was great that Katelyn was able to give back to the charity Jack and Jill at her send off party before going Tralee.
“She fundraised money for them and that was was just one of the many amazing things that she has gotten to do since she has become Laois Rose.”
The first night of the live show for the Rose of Tralee takes place this evening from 8pm until 11.35pm on RTE One with a break in the middle for RTE News.
Katelyn will be interviewed by Kathyrn Thomas and her appearance is set to come on Tuesday where she will be fourth on – the night where the overall winner will be revealed.
SEE ALSO – Excitement building as Laois Rose all set to make Tralee appearance early next week
