PROFILE: Laois Rose entrant 'won't let disability stop her from living her best life'

A Laois Rose entrant is proudly showing that having a disability should not stop you from following your dreams.

Mountrath 27 year old Elizabeth Parkinson lives with her Mum, Dad and foster sister Hope, and is one of 17 entrants taking to the stage for the Laois Rose selection night this week.

"I love animals and at the moment have a cat Mazie and Dog Benji," she explained to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Elizabeth loves attending the Rehab Care centre in Portlaoise, and adores working in Jackie's Hair Salon in Mountrath, who are her sponsors.

"I absolutely love my job in Jackie’s, but most importantly I love the girls I work with who have become my friends; Jackie Ruth, Donna and Annie, and Teresa," Elizabeth praised.

"I love being part of their team. I’m also a member of the Arch club and attend each month and have being lucky enough to go on weekends away with them."

Elizabeth loves to escape on a holiday in her time off, and has said she is very lucky to get away several times a year.

"I go to the Electric picnic every year and can’t wait for this year," she said.

"We all go as a family, even Nannie has come . I love spending my free time in Nannie and Grandads house who are very special to me, I have lots of friends there in Kilbricken," she said.

"My favourite things to do is visit hotels and going on holidays, I’m lucky as I get to go on a few holidays a year . I love the cinema and going out for drinks with my friend Jackie".

Elizabeth acknowledged how blessed she is to have such a fantastic support network around her.

"I know I’m very lucky to have so many family and friends around me who love me, and I always have my Mum who makes sure I get to live my best life despite having a disability," Elizabeth said.

"I’m so grateful to the Rose committee for all their support and encouragement in my taking part. My cousin Sarah Jane was in the competition a few years ago, and my dream was to follow on and enter myself!" she said.

The Laois Rose Selection Night takes place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Friday, April 18, when 17 entrants will be interviewed on stage by Ollie Turner, cheered on by their supporters in the audience.

The winner will then be announced who will take part in the televised International Rose of Tralee in Kerry this August. 

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the proud Media Sponsor for the Laois Rose Selection.