Young Laois Rose entrant raising awareness of hidden disabilities

A young Laois woman who is hoping to be the 2023 Laois Rose, is keen to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

Ruby Graham from Shanahoe is one of the youngest of the 17 entrants to the event, aged 18.

Sponsored by Aisling Walsh Dance, Ruby is an award winning Irish dancer, overcoming her own hidden disability to do so.

"I am studying beauty therapy at the moment and learning how to drive.

"I’ve been in love with Irish dancing for almost a decade. I was so proud to represent Laois and to win for Laois as a Leinster champion. I placed in the Laois regionals and was presented my sash by the Laois Rose, which sparked my interest for this competition. 

"I would be equally as proud to be chosen as the Laois rose and be given the opportunity to represent Laois in the rose of Tralee.

"Looking at me many assume that I am not disabled, but I have a hidden disability. Autism affects my life all day, every day.

"If I am chosen to be the Laois rose, I want to create awareness about the hidden aspects of autism. Hidden disabilities are majorly misunderstood in Ireland, I want to allow autism to be seen in all  facets.

"I am a resilient, hard working women with great support, that doesn’t mean I don’t have major obstacles to overcome daily. I want to spread awareness for all kinds of disabilities," she said.

All of the Laois Rose entrants will take to the stage in the Midlands Park Hotel this Easter Sunday night, April 9, in a gala event supported by an audience of their families and communities. The winning Laois Rose will go on to the Rose of Tralee televised final this August.

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Tickets are €25 and will be available on the evening so get there early. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7.30pm sharp.

See this week's Leinster Express for profiles of all 17 Laois Rose Entrants.