PROFILE: Laois Rose entrant's Britain's Got Talent bid was 'unforgettable'

Ballybrittas woman Alannah O'Connell has a passion for singing and community

A Ballybrittas woman is one of 17 women who will battle it out for this year's Laois Rose title.

20 year old Alannah O'Connell is proud of her Laois heritage, with a passion for her community and agricultural roots.

"I live on a farm just outside of Ballybrittas, over the past year I’ve been working in Ballybrittas service Station where I enjoy helping locals with their everyday needs," Alannah told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: 20 year old Alannah O'Connell from Ballybrittas, sponsored by Dublin Stove & Fire

"I am also an active member of the Fisherstown Tractor and Truck Run Committee. Every year we organise a very successful event to raise money for local cancer charities. Last year we raised €52,000 for the Cuisle Center in Portlaoise," she said.

Alannah explained that one of her greatest passions in life is singing, and she regularly performs with her local trad group in the village pub.

"I once even entered Britain’s Got Talent- although I didn’t make it very far, it was an unforgettable experience," she said.

"I’m passionate about the community, music and I am a proud Laois woman. I would be absolutely honoured to represent Laois as this year’s rose," Alannah finished.

The Laois Rose Selection Night takes place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Friday, April 18, when 17 entrants will be interviewed on stage by Ollie Turner, cheered on by their supporters in the audience.

The winner will then be announced who will take part in the televised International Rose of Tralee in Kerry this August.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the proud Media Sponsor for the Laois Rose Selection.

For more on the lead up to the Laois Rose selection night, keep an eye on the Leinster Express website!