'I started to cry' joy for Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins by Laois Rose coordinators

The Laois Rose coordinator Lyn Moloney is over the moon for the county to finally have an International Rose of Tralee.

Lyn with Steve Cronly has guided and supported all Laois Rose entrants and winners for some years, and they were nearly the first people Katelyn Cummins thanked when she was chosen.

Lyn was as emotional as Katelyn Cummins herself when Laois was called as the winner in Tralee.

She was waiting backstage at the glittering event, she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“When they said Laois, my head went to my knees, I started to cry. I could see how absolutely shocked Katelyn was.

“We’ve just developed a great bond, she reminds me of my own daughter Rachel. Katelyn only lives 20 minutes away from me. I’ve become so close to her over the past nine months. I am so super proud," Lyn said.

Lyn Moloney with the new Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins. 

She believes Katelyn has “broken the mould” as an inspiring Rose of Tralee.

The 20 year old has vowed to use her year to inspire other women to take on traditionally male roles as she has done as an electrical apprentice in Alpha Drives, Portlaoise.

Read more: Laois Rose heading back to work as electrician

“She is only 20, she is so accomplished. I think she will be a fantastic role model for lots of young ladies who are considering different career paths. She is going to inspire so many. 

“She is such a loveable girl, and she is great fun. She has broken the mould. She will use her platform to open doors for others,” Lyn said.