Mayo claims another Rose

Cory Kilbane

Yet another one of this year’s Rose of Tralee finalists has been found to have strong Mayo connections. The international festival will take place next month, and at least three international roses are known to have significant Mayo connections.
The Mayo News recently carried reports on the strong local connections of Claire McManamon (South California Rose) and Maria Kenny (Hong Kong Rose). And this week it has emerged that Meghan Adams (Ohio Rose) will also have a strong Mayo following in the Dome in Tralee.
The 22-year-old’s grandmother, Kathleen Heneghan, originates from Ballintubber. She also has two aunts who are currently living in Cleveland, and they are both married to two Gallagher men, who are originally from Achill Island.
Meghan herself is a frequent visitor to Achill, and she has made several memorable trips there over the last number of years. Her family are hoping that Meghan’s involvement in this year’s Rose of Tralee will bring together members of her family, who may never have even met before.
Meghan’s family members from all parts of Ireland, the UK and USA are organising a strong group of support for her, as she bids to take home the title of 2017’s Rose of Tralee.
Background
Meghan is the eldest in a family of five kids, and her Irish heritage has been of significant importance to her since she was a child.
Growing up, she was very dedicated to Irish dancing, and she also used to march in the St Patrick’s Day parade every year. She took her love for Irish heritage with her through college, and she joined an Irish Dance Club whilst studying a Bachelor of Science Degree at Loyola University, Chicago.
Meghan also has a keen interest in volunteering, and doing activities to fundraise for various charities.
During her time at university she was involved in various charity fundraising events. Some of these included raising $1,000 and running a full marathon for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and shaving her hair and donating it to children with cancer. Mayo will be represented at the festival this year by Ballaghaderreen woman, Sandra Ganley.