BREAKING: Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins crowned Rose of Tralee!

Laois locals are beaming with pride following the announcement of Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins as this year's Rose of Tralee.

Katelyn Cummins, from Ballyouskill on the Laois/Kilkenny border lives in Laois and works in Alpha Drives in the J17 National Enterprise Park, Portlaoise, making control panels for motors in their workshop.

The Rose impressed judges with her jiving skills, bubbly personality and love of Laois. Katelyn proudly challenges gender norms, as the only female electrician in her workplace.

Pictured: Katelyn with her parents Noel and Siobhan at the Laois Rose Selection Night. Photo: The Leinster Express

Once she was crowned, Katelyn's first words were to graciously thank her parents and the 31 women on stage behind her.

The Rose hinted to presenter Kathryn Thomas that someday, she may establish her own electrical business 'powered' by women.

Katelyn lives in the Kilkenny countryside on a dairy farm in Ballyouskill.

Her agricultural roots grow deep, with Katelyn currently elected as the Chairperson of North Kilkenny Macra for 2024 to 2025.

"I am a 2nd year apprentice electrician in Alpha Drives in Portlaoise, and I love to keep active in the gym and going for runs," Katelyn recently told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Defying gender stereotypes, the Portlaoise apprentice hopes to study electrical engineering, and to travel abroad with this work.

"I love to travel, I did interailing across Europe after my leaving cert and have been to many countries since," Katelyn explained.

Katelyn loves to dance, and enjoys set dancing and jiving with her friends and family. The Ballyouskill Rose also has a sporty streak, and enjoys playing camogie in her free time.

Congratulations to our Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins!

For more coverage from the Leinster Express / Laois Live of the Rose of Tralee festival, see here.