Pure Ella-gance....Ella Bannon from Trim crowned Meath Rose for 2025

Trim woman Ella Bannon has been selected as the 2025 Meath Rose.

The nursing student and talented Irish dancer was chosen to represent the Royal county after an unforgettable selection evening with 14 inspiring young women taking part at the glittering event in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on Saturday.

Since the official launch of this year’s selection process in November 2024, these remarkable women have embarked on an exciting journey. From a fun-filled bowling night at The Arc Navan to a memorable day at Rockfield House in Kells, and a delightful Afternoon Tea at the Knightsbrook Hotel, the journey to selection has been an experience they will cherish forever.

The selection day itself was packed with excitement, as each of the 14 Roses participated in the three key elements of the process.

They first underwent individual interviews with the panel of judges—Mark Irwin and John Marron, both former International Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee Festival, and Lisa O’Sullivan-Shaw, widely known on Instagram as Modern Irish Mom and as a former Miss Ireland. Following this, the Roses also took part in a group interview before heading into rehearsals for the evening’s live selection event.

As night fell, family, friends, and supporters gathered in the Knightsbrook Hotel to cheer on the young women as they took to the stage. The evening was filled with entertainment, laughter, and music, with Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM once again delivering an incredible performance as MC.

The Meath Rose Centre paid a heartfelt thank you to the event sponsors, whose generosity made it possible for each of the 14 Roses to take part as well as the entire team at the Knightsbrook Hotel for their continued support as host venue.

The beauty team who ensured all the Roses looked and felt their best on the day were: Emily O’Brien from EOB Make Up, Colleen Quinn from Colleen Quinn Beauty and Rachael Perry from Rachael Perry Bridal Hair.

Meath Centre Coordinators, Lyn Maloney (Regional Centre Coordinator) and Clodagh Murray (Meath Rose 2008), played a key role in organising the selection process and a very special mention went out to Lane Galvin, the 2023 Meath Rose, who represened the Royal County with such pride over the past two years.

Lane delivered a presentation of her photo memories from the last two years as the Meath Rose before having a chat with MC Ollie Turner and telling the audience what these years have meant to her and her family.

At the end of a fantastic evening, Ella Bannon, from Trim, County Meath, was selected as the 2025 Meath Rose. Ella was proudly sponsored by Linen Bundle.

Ella, 19, is currently a nursing student at Dublin City University (DCU), with hopes of specialising in oncology or haematology. Inspired by her mother, Ella has always had a deep passion for caring for others.

A talented Irish dancer, Ella began dancing at the age of four and competed at a championship level, achieving an incredible 7th place at the World Championships in 2021 before retiring to focus on her studies. She has since travelled the world, sharing Irish culture through dance and music with children in various countries.

Outside of her studies and dancing, Ella enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and keeping busy—which includes looking after the four energetic boys she babysits every week.

As the 2025 Meath Rose, Ella will now begin her journey towards the International Rose of Tralee Festival, which takes place from August 15th–19th, 2025. Leading up to the festival, she will attend various local and national events, proudly representing County Meath.