Kildare's Ciara is Canada Rose 

Newbridge native Ciara Confrey (26) was selected as Western Canada’s Rose Representative on May 24 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Ciara was born in Dublin in the late 90s, and lived primarily in Newbridge until she moved to Calgary, Canada in early 2015.

She entered into the Western Canada Rose of Tralee selections as a way to meet fellow Irishwomen living in Canada, and to connect with those with Irish heritage and make some sincere friendships after having her daughter, Mia.

“I never expected to be selected, it’s such an honour. I was living in my little baby bubble on maternity leave when my mam sent me a screenshot of the Irish in Calgary facebook page advertising that applications were open, with one sentence attached to the text, “granny would be thrilled!” Ciara’s grandmother, Trudy, still resides in Newbridge, along with many other family members and friends that have given her constant support throughout her journey to become Western Canada’s Rose.

Since gaining her title, Ciara has gone on to be associated with Tourism Calgary and the Irish Society of Calgary, with the aim of creating an organisation to help ease the transition for Irish newcomers when they arrive in Canada.

Alongside the work she is doing for newly arrived Irishmen and women, Ciara will also be organising a variety of fundraisers and plans to raise awareness and funding for numerous charities, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and Foothills Hospital, where she gave birth to her daughter in July 2024.

“Being selected means more than just a title to me. I now have a platform and can reach so many people by being the Western Canada Rose, and I plan to use that to raise awareness and funds for those who need it.

“Life happens, we get thrown curveballs, and I truly believe that the more support you have, the less heavy those curveballs feel.” 

Ciara will travel to Ireland in August to attend this year’s Rose of Tralee international festival and is extremely excited to be a part of something so empowering.

Her parents, Alison and Noel Confrey, will be in attendance for support, along with family and friends.

Her brother, Ben Confrey, and his partner, Monica Bermingham, recently emigrated to Canada and will be supporting Ciara from Calgary, alongside her partner Rich, and their daughter, Mia.

“I’m still in shock to be honest. When my name was called out I was stunned, just looking at one of my fellow roses who was sitting beside me.

"It was an absolute ‘pinch me’ moment. My parents were in tears, and all the women who were involved in this year's selections were cheering me on. 

"It still hasn’t sunk in that I get to be a part of this incredible, life-changing experience.” 

Ciara has accomplished her diploma in medical aesthetics and will be returning to work shortly before this year’s festivities.

She is the director and admissions advisor for Delmar College for Aesthetics and Wellness in Calgary.

Ciara has done various charity work, including organising ‘give back’ days through her work at Delmar, and her students would volunteer their time alongside Ciara, providing relaxation services.