New York Rose Annemarie Lynch represents Irish community at the Rose of Tralee

Cavan girl chosen from dozens of New Yorkers to represent the Empire state in Kerry this year

The New York Rose of Tralee contestant Annemarie Lynch is arguably one of the most admirable young women to receive the award. Born in New York and raised in Co. Cavan, the 22-year-old beauty has accomplished much already in her young life.

Annemarie was chosen from more than a dozen girls in New York earlier in the summer to represent the Empire state and all its Irishness in Tralee this week.

When she is not behind the counter of Fifth Avenue’s famous Tiffany's store, she is singing in front of large crowds or building houses in Haiti. Annemarie’s hobbies and ambitions are endless.

The budding rose took time from her hectic schedule on Sunday to talk to us just two days before she goes on stage on Tuesday night to proudly represent New York in the Rose of Tralee international competition, now in its 55th year.

 "From a young age this is always something I wanted to do. I would watch the Rose of Tralee on tv and it started as something I liked to watch for the clothes and over the years I grew to understand the importance of the festival, not only to show the positive role models within the Irish community but also to connect the Irish Diaspora around the world."

Annemarie's maternal grandparents, who are both originally from Cavan, moved to New York at a young age and all of their children were born and raised in the Bronx. Her father's parents were also Cavan natives, while he grew up in Bruskey, Co.Cavan.

"My immediate family moved back here to New York a few years ago and I moved back after I graduated with an honors degree in English and Philosophy from UCD Ireland. My family in New York have travelled back with me to Tralee and I have some cousins, friends and more family from Cavan coming too so I'm excited to see everyone there,” the excited Rose told IrishCentral.

Annemarie is no stranger to competitions as the young singer came second in “Cavan's Got Talent” a couple of years ago.

For the enthusiastic rose, being chosen to represent New York has been one of the proudest moments of her life so far.

"I genuinely feel so privileged and honored each time I put on the New York sash knowing that I am representing an incredible community of people that have throughout the years worked hard at keeping Irish traditions and culture alive."

Read more: In Focus - Annemarie Lynch - New York Rose of Tralee

The support Annemarie has received over the last couple of months has been amazing.

"I am overwhelmed by all the love and support from everyone in New York, Cavan, Longford and my family and friends all over the world. I cannot explain how much I appreciate everyone's kind words and I would like to thank them all for that. I was very surprised to see someone even wrote a beautiful song about me which was very exciting for me,” said the volunteer and charity worker. 
 
All of the roses arrived in Tralee on Saturday after a few days on the Rose tour around Ireland. Annemarie says, "Every single day has been amazing. Since I was selected as the New York rose I have met so many incredible people and have been lucky enough to connect with people of Irish heritage from around the world. And without a doubt, this has been a highlight for me."

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Nster.com