Canadian Rose with Laois dad has political dreams

Aoife McDonald is representing Ottawa in Canada at the Rose of Tralee but she has strong Laois roots as she confirms in her bio for the Rose of Tralee 2023.

Aoife’s father, Patrick McDonald, moved from Portarlington to Ottawa in the late 1980’s and became involved in the Irish community there.

Read her bio below:

My name is Aoife McDonald, I’m 27 years old and I was born and raised in Ottawa. I hold dual citizenship and I’m a first generation Canadian.

My mother hails from Mountbellew, Co. Galway and my father from Portarlington, Co. Laois. I love returning to Ireland every summer to visit family and explore my home away from home. I am heavily involved in Ottawa’s vibrant Irish community and enjoy singing, dancing, acting and art.

I have a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in History and Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations and a Minor in French and a Bachelor of Education. During university, I served on the executive committee of a women’s social and empowerment organisation which helps young women transition to university, develop leadership skills and participate in philanthropic activities.

I currently work for the Committees Directorate of the Senate of Canada. I also work part time at two local pubs, the Aulde Dubliner and Brigid’s Well, giving me the opportunity to stay connected in the community.

In the future, I’m interested in becoming a Member of Parliament so I can foster change and continue to help others. I’m very excited to return to Ireland this year as a Rose.

'Up Laois' - Cullohill's New Yorker introduces herself to the Rose of Tralee world

Dáithí Ó Sé and new co-host Kathryn Thomas will meet all 32 Aoife and all the Roses at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which will be broadcast live on Monday and Tuesday August 21 & 22 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. 

The five-day Festival culminates in the selection of the International Rose of Tralee, a year-long ambassador role, representing Ireland and the Festival, both locally and around the world.