Alison Slattery Photography
Keira Kilmartin
Keira holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Anthropology from McGill University, and shortly after the festival will be studying Medicine at University College Cork in Ireland. Originally from a small town between Montreal and Ottawa, Keira has been dancing with the Bernadette Short School of Irish dance for the last 16 years and holds a bronze medal in the ceili from the 2012 World Championships. When she’s not dancing, Keira can be found volunteering at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, mentoring with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Montreal, or taking a yoga class Her Irish ancestry comes from her father, who is from county Roscommon.
A Message from Keira on her experience at the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival 2013:
"Taking part in the Rose of Tralee as the Ottawa Rose was a wonderful experience that surpassed all of my expectations. I was able to take part in local community events in Ottawa, and to travel to Ireland for the festival itself. My family was brought together for a reunion, all travelling to Kerry to enjoy the festival. The festival itself was a whirlwind of gowns, dinners, photos, friendships-in-the-making, singing and dancing, and signing autographs. My fondest memory is of my Rose Bud, who was featured on the live television show while I was on stage, and who is still my pen pal. I left the Rose of Tralee with a global network of women who are all successful, strong, and who have become close friends. My advice for anyone who is considering participating is to consider that while the glamour of the festival is great fun, it is the incredible women that you meet, both in Ottawa and in Ireland, that will make a lasting impact.
When I left Canada to travel to Ireland for the festival, I knew I was staying on for four years to complete my medical degree. While I will always consider Ireland a second home, I have returned back across the pond and I am currently training to be a paediatrician.
Keira with RTE and Rose of Tralee Host, Dáithí Ó Sé in Portlaoise
2013 Ottawa Rose Centre Sponsors and Partners
