Life won't be the same for new Cavan Rose

Ultan Sherry

Since winning the Cavan Rose selection and a coveted ticket for the Rose of Tralee festival, life for Lisa Reilly has been transformed spectacularly.
The Ballinagh beauty had returned to her teaching job in Dublin on Monday morning, knowing that there were inpsectors due in the school for their annual check - an experience all teachers dread. Lisa’s class was to be the last to be visited, but as soon as she walked in, she was greeted by staff, pupils and even the inspectors themselves with good wishes and flowers. For Lisa, it was a moment of both shock and pride.
So how has she been feeling after Saturday night?
“I’m elated to be honest. I’m on Cloud Nine. I wasn’t expecting it at all and I’m so excited for the journey ahead,” she told the Celt on Monday afternoon.
Like many Irish girls, the Rose of Tralee is a show that Lisa has enjoyed watching since she was little, admitting it as her “little guilty pleasure”.
The 25-year-old considers it a great honour to represent her county in the famous Dome.
“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to participate in it. It’s a great honour,” she enthused.

Shine
Due to the 1916 centenary commemorations, the regional finals have been ditched and every Rose is given the chance to shine on the Tralee stage this summer.
Lisa is the first Cavan Rose in many years to head south. Remarkably, the last person to do so was family friend Mairead Lyng, who coincidentally was sponsored by Lisa’s uncle. Mairead will no doubt be giving Lisa valuable advice before August.
So what inspired Lisa to enter the competition in the first place?
“I’ve been asked a few times over the years,” she explained. “I lived in Edinburgh for three years and met the Scottish Rose. That put the idea in my head that maybe I’d like to go for it someday.”
For Lisa, home is where the heart is. That’s why she decided that if she was going to represent any county, it would be her own beloved Cavan. Lisa went forward for the Cavan Rose, and the rest is history.
“I was so shocked when my name was called out, because the 14 girls from all over Cavan were absolutely amazing. There was such a high standard this year,” Lisa correctly said.
With Friday night’s success, an incredible journey will start for this young woman. Importantly, she will not be alone. Her partner, Fergal Reilly from Ballinamuck in Longford, will come home from UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in time for the festival. Sadly he had to head east on the Monday before the Cavan selection.
“He was a bit lonesome that he missed it, but he was over the moon and excited for me,” Lisa said. Her first reaction when she was announced the winner was to ring Fergal.
“Everybody came round me with a phone and I contacted him straight away,” she recalled. “He was actaully due to be home in November for good and then it was brought forward to September, but they allowed him then to change it to come home in August.”

‘She’s going to fly’
Lisa’s schedule is about to become pretty hectic, with Rose events already scheduled for both County Cavan and Tralee. The first one will be close to home though.
“The shop that I used to work in for eight years was done up and I was honoured when I was invited to attend the official opening of the new shop,” she explained.
Another person who’ll join Lisa on the Tralee adventure is Lorraine O’Neill. Lorraine and Laura Galligan took over local reins as Cavan Rose Centre co-ordinators, and are delighted by the success of this year’s competition, and the support from local businesses which made it possible. When asked how she thought Lisa would fare in Tralee, Lorraine replied: “I think she’s going to fly! She’s got a bubbly personality”. Which leads us on to the all important question for Lisa Reilly herself - could she win the Rose of Tralee?
“To be honest, I’m still trying to get over the Cavan Rose!” she modestly answers with a laugh. We think she stands every chance and join with the rest of the county in wishing her well.