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The 2008 National Final
The young women of Irish birth or descent listed below competed for the honour of being the New Zealand Rose of Tralee, to succeed Aislinn Ryan, the 2008 New Zealand Rose of Tralee.
The Contestants:
Allanah
Ellerton - Taranaki
Allanah was born in March 1986 in New Plymouth. She an assistant manager in the retail industry and works with a promotions team for Radio Hauraki.
Her Irish heritage is traced from her great grandmother, Amelia Enright, from Co Tipperary.
She loves living in Taranaki and enjoys reading, walking, fashion and music, as well as her promotional work.
(Read what the Taranaki Daily News had to say about her win)
Amy
Roach - Christchurch
Amy was born in April 1987 and is currently studying to be a teacher at the University of Canterbury after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree.
Her Irish connection is through her maternal grandfather, who was born in County Cork , but emigrated to New Zealand in 1959 - the same year as the Rose of Tralee contest started in Kerry.
When not studying, Amy is a spokesperson for the Young Endometriosis Support Group, both through their website and in presenting to groups. She also does yoga, is an avid reader and loves spending time with friends. She likes, she says, "warm weather, people who are open-minded, popular culture, and good manners."
(Read what the Christchurch Press had to say about her win)
Geraldine Roper - Auckland
Geraldine Roper was born in 1986, in Auckland. She works for "Asia Downunder", a Sunday morning TV1 programme. She has high ambitions for a successful career in this field as she feels the media holds exciting opportunities for her.
Geraldine has a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Journalism from AUT in Auckland.
Her family on both sides originates from Donegal.
Geraldine represented Auckland in many Feises (Feiseanna) in both Irish dancing and singing in her younger years. She now enjoys Irish music, singing, and dancing socially, and says her interests are in music, outdoor activities, reading, socializing, traveling and singing.
Katrina O'Keeffe - Manawatu
Katrina was born in 1987 in Palmerston North and grew up in Canterbury. She is currently studying a Bachelor of International Studies at the International Pacific College in Palmerston North.
Her Irish connection is through her paternal grandparents. Her great-grandmother was born in Limerick and emigrated to New Zealand on a bride boat. Her grandfather's family also originates in Limerick.
When not studying, Katrina loves to spend time with friends, although she also works part time, helping international students improve their English. She occasionally plays the flute, and enjoys swimming, walking, netball, music, movies and absolutely love to travel.
Lisa
Monaghan - Invercargill
Lisa, born in 1986, has returned to her birthplace Invercargill, to embrace family and friends and commence work as a care and protection social worker at Child, Youth and Family, having graduated earlier this year from the University of Canterbury.
Irish ancestry is on both sides of Lisa's family, her maternal grandfather born in Belfast and paternal great grandfather hailing from Galway Bay. Both men emigrated to Southland and married local girls.
Lisa enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, camping and the outdoors, dreaming of her future travel incorporating voluntary work in a third world country, maintaining her fitness and most of all the opportunity to share a laugh.
Lucy
McAuliffe - Hutt Valley
Lucy McAuliffe was born on 25 June 1986 in London, England. Currently she is an Associate Recruitment Consultant.
Lucy's father was born in rural southern Limerick. Lucy has a number of cousins, aunts and uncles in the area, and her grandmother still lives on the family farm.
She lists her principal interests as gym and fitness, watching sport, especially rugby, volunteer work, reading and movies. When younger she was a keen Irish dancing student.
(Read what the DominionPost had to say about her win)
Rosanna
Galletly - Kapiti Coast
Rosanna is nearly 20 years old and currently works in the Creative Communities team for the Kapiti Youth Council after completing studies at the NZ College of Performing Arts.
Her great grandfather on her dad's side of the family was born in Northern Ireland.
Rosanna loves helping youth with others in a positive environment. She has started playing the drums which in line with her other talents in the theatre, singing and dancing. She also has a great respect for the environment and loves going to the local beach.
Follow Lisa as she represented New Zealand in Tralee
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“The New Zealand Rose will represent the entire Irish community at the International Final.”