Mayo Rose Kate Heneghan wows audiences with original harp composition

MAYO Rose Kate Heneghan has wowed audiences at in Tralee with her own original harp composition at the 2023 Rose of Tralee. 

The Castlebar woman performed 'Bealtaine' to a rapturous reception as part of her party piece for her live television interview.

Kate performed the same composition when she won the Mayo Rose contest earlier this year. 

"We have turned the Kingdom red and green on yee Dáithí," she boldly declared at the start of her interview the experienced Dáithí Ó Sé, who is co-presenting this year's competition alongside Kathryn Thomas.

_{Mayo Rose Kate Heneghan chatting with Daithí Ó Sé at the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival (Pic: Rose of Tralee International Festival)}

Unsurprisingly, music was the main topic of conversation between herself and Dáithí.

Kate hails from a well-known musical family and is an accomplished harpist, violinist, piano player and music teacher. She also holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in music.

The 27-year-old described her experience of being the Mayo Rose as 'amazing' and 'life changing' before going on to explain why she composed 'Bealtaine'.

"I wrote this piece in May and I call it Bealtaine which is May, as Gaeilge and it’s symbolic of a transitioning period from darkness to light. It’s also a time that celebrates women so I thought it was very fitting for the festival," said Kate. 

An unfortunate episode in which she got stranded on a cruise ship at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic also came up in conversation. 

This particular affair saw Kate spend 32 days in isolation in her cabin following an outbreak of the virus on the Diamond Princess, where she had been working as a musician. 

During that time she kept in touch with family via Zoom while being delivered meals three times a day. 

"The one thing is we did actually get business flights back to Ireland which was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It kind of made it all worth it in the end," Kate laughed.

The winner of the 2023 Rose of Tralee will be crowned following the second round of interviews on Tuesday, August 22. 

Live coverage of the event will be available on RTÉ 1 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.