Mayo woman selected to represent London at Rose of Tralee

Mayo native Shauna Sammon will represent London at the Rose of Tralee this year. The Westport woman was crowned the 2025 London Rose in a glamorous selection event that was held at the Clayton Chiswick Hotel last Friday evening. Chosen from a group of 11 finalists, Shauna will now proudly represent London at the International Rose of Tralee Festival this coming August. 

The selection process was judged by a distinguished panel of former London roses who carefully assessed each finalist based on their poise, personality and commitment to their Irish heritage and community engagement. 

Before the selection night, Shauna and her fellow finalists embarked on the Official London Rose tour where a series of events designed to build confidence, foster lasting friendships and to celebrate their Irish heritage took place. Highlights of the tour included an evening dancing at the Hercules pub on Holloway Road while insightful preparation sessions and mock interviews were held at The Claddagh Ring. An exclusive high-profile reception with Ambassador Martin Fraser took place at the Irish Embassy. The finalists also enjoyed a bespoke makeup masterclass hosted by the team at Sculpted by Aimee in their Carnaby Street store. 

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With excitement, the recently selected London Rose, Shauna Sammon stated: “Being named the 2025 London Rose is an incredible honour and something I’ll cherish forever. I’m only coming back down to Earth after the most surreal few days! I have had a wonderful experience during the whole London Rose process and met some truly inspiring women on my journey”. 

“I love my Irish community in London. I have benefited so much from the opportunities it has given me and I’m proud to be London’s ambassador in Tralee. I’m excited to meet the 31 other incredible international Roses in August and to share in such a special experience together. I’m equally looking forward to the year ahead, wearing the London Rose sash with pride and getting involved in as many events and community activities as I can.”

Sinead Dineen of the London Rose Centre praised Shauna’s achievement, commenting: “Shauna embodies everything that the Rose of Tralee Festival celebrates, pride in her heritage, strong community spirit, and genuine warmth and charisma. We are delighted to have Shauna represent us in Kerry and we know she will do London Proud.”

The London Rose selection is part of the globally recognised Rose of Tralee International Festival, which annually celebrates Irish culture and connects Irish communities worldwide through the empowerment of inspiring young women. 

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