WATCH: Galway Rose Jodie Kenny’s funny reason behind entering Rose of Tralee
Jodie Kenny talks teaching, travel and what representing Galway means to her
The Roses of Tralee received a warm welcome at Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall on Tuesday, August 11, as the 32 contestants made a special stop at the famous landmark on their journey to Tralee.
Among them was 2026 Galway Rose Jodie Kenny, a 23-year-old primary school teacher from Oughterard, who has been proudly representing her county throughout her Rose journey - but it was actually her aunty and family who persuaded her to enter for the competition.
Jodie said: “My aunty actually entered for me after a lot of years of ongoing jokes and between my family and my colleagues, they eventually pushed me to do it.”
Jodie graduated from Mary Immaculate College last year and has since begun her teaching career, working with Junior Infants at her local primary school.
An enthusiastic believer in making the most of opportunities, Jodie describes herself as someone who is always happy to say yes to spontaneous plans and new adventures.
At Barack Obama Plaza, Jodie joined the other 31 Roses for an afternoon of Irish music, dancing, food and entertainment before continuing their journey towards Kerry.
The Roses were welcomed by Supermac’s Managing Director Pat McDonagh, with the reception hosted by Rose of Tralee Committee Member Ollie Turner.
The afternoon featured performances from champion Irish dancers Saoirse and Lucy, live music and entertainment, while some of the Roses also got the opportunity to step behind the Supermac’s counter and try their hand at making the famous Moozies.
The visit concluded with a group photograph at the Barack Obama statue before the Roses continued their journey to Tralee.
For Jodie, the Moneygall visit was another highlight of an unforgettable experience as she prepares to represent Galway at the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which gets underway on Friday, August 14.
Watch our video interview with Galway Rose Jodie above as she talks to Galway Live about her Rose journey, her passion for teaching and what representing Galway means to her.