Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins is recovering after a hectic night on Tuesday, having been announced as this year's Rose of Tralee.

Katelyn told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that since her win, she hasn't been able to pick up her phone.

"My phone has been blowing up with calls and texts, even from people I haven't spoken to in years, the reaction has been amazing, it doesn't feel real at all," she said.

Katelyn explained that waking up this morning, her win still felt 'surreal'.

Pictured: Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins crowned Rose of Tralee on Tuesday night. Photo: RTÉ

"It hasn't hit me at all, and I don't think it will for another few days, at least until I'm home," she said.

"I didn't even know that I was the first ever Laois Rose of Tralee until my family and I were tipping around Tralee today and someone stopped me to congratulate me," Katelyn explained.

"The support from Laois locals has been amazing. I have received so much support I can't believe it," she praised.

The newly announced Rose of Tralee has said that she hopes to hold her homecoming on Saturday evening, with plans still to be finalised.

Though still on the high of her win, Katelyn plans to return to work next Monday. She denied claims made that she may be 'treated differently' by coworkers following her fantastic win.

"I'll be going back to work on Monday, I definitely won't be treated differently at all. There will be a small bit of messing with the lads, but I won't be treated differently," she said.

When asked how she felt about the amazing prizes she has won, and the removal of the traditional crown from the festival, Katelyn said it was the last thing on her mind.

"The prizes are absolutely unreal, but you don't think about what you have won in the moment, you're just enjoying the moment and the title alone. Being named the Rose of Tralee means everything to me," she said.

As the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Katelyn will enjoy an extensive prize package that includes;

• A travel bursary worth €25,000 that she must spend within the year
• A Kia Niro Plug-in hybrid for the year
• Complimentary accommodation at the 4-star Meadowlands Hotel every time she returns to Tralee during her year
• Hair styling provided by Brush n' Blush during her year
• Kerry County Council will host the Rose of Tralee and a guest to a weeklong adventure break in the Kingdom.

The €25,000 travel bursary is the winners to spend how she chooses, although organisers say it will help to represent the Rose of Tralee International Festival and connect the global Irish community throughout the year.

Our Rose wished to thank Laois locals for their fantastic support.

"The support has been absolutely incredible. I saw a video taken from my local pub The Wheel Inn in Ballyouskill, all of my neighbours, family and friends were there. I couldn't believe the cheering and everyone jumping up when I won, it's unbelievable," Katelyn said.

Katelyn has said that over the next year, her goal is to encourage women to consider apprenticeships, to motivate more women to consider trades and not follow tradition. She hopes to break stigma.

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