Limerick’s Leah McMahon Takes Center Stage at Rose of Tralee

UPDATE: Limerick woman Leah McMahon is set to represent her county at the prestigious Rose of Tralee festival, taking place live on August 18 and 19, 2025. This moment is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for many young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

At just 29 years old, Leah has already made significant strides in her career as a financial planner while balancing motherhood and education. She proudly hails from Southill, one of Limerick’s most challenged areas, and aims to inspire others with her journey. “It’s about representing Limerick from the side of growing up in Southill. I want kids from similar areas to see the value of education,” Leah stated.

Her journey has been remarkable. Leah was selected as this year’s Limerick Rose at a competition where she outshone 17 other contestants. Speaking at The George Hotel during the national rose tour, she expressed joy in the camaraderie formed with fellow contestants, saying, “There is just a unique sense of girlhood among the group.”

Leah is a proud alumna of the University of Limerick, where she completed her Bachelor of Business Studies in 2019. She has since earned multiple qualifications, including the Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) and Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA)1,000 certified financial planners in Ireland, where only 23% are women.

In a powerful personal story, Leah revealed she learned of her pregnancy just before starting her co-op placement during her third year of university. “I put a really high importance on education; I never said ‘I’ll drop education’. I always kept it at the top of my priorities,” she explained, emphasizing her resolve to succeed despite the challenges.

Now working with Castle Capital Financial Planning, Leah is also dedicated to empowering women through financial literacy workshops called Bláthú—the Irish word for ‘blossoming’. She aims to teach women everything from financial basics to salary negotiation, advocating for financial independence.

Leah’s role as Limerick Rose is a dream come true, and she is determined to use the platform for good. She volunteers with Novas, a charity supporting families and individuals facing homelessness. “I want to continue to share that message about the importance of education,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to giving back to her community.

As the festival approaches, Leah’s story resonates with many, showcasing resilience and the importance of education. Viewers can catch Leah on live broadcasts of the Rose selection nights on RTÉ 1 and RTÉ Player starting at 8 PM on August 18 and 19.

Leah McMahon is not just wearing a sash; she’s embodying hope, resilience, and the transformative power of education for the next generation. This is a story you won’t want to miss!