THE 2023 OTTAWA ROSE IS AOIFE MCDONALD!
Aoife holds dual Irish and Canadian citizenship, and is a first generation Canadian. Her mother hails from Mountbellew, Co. Galway and her father from Portarlington, Co. Laois. She loves returning to Ireland every summer to visit her family and explore her home away from home.
She is heavily involved in Ottawa’s Irish community. She loves singing, dancing, acting and art. Most recently, she has been acting in a reading series of The Dubliners, with the James Joyce Association of Ottawa.
Aoife has a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in History and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and a Minor in French. During University, she served as a member of the executive committee of the women's social and empowerment organization. Aoife is currently an Administrative Assistant for the Legal and Constitutional Committee of the Senate of Canada, and works part time as a bartender at Brigid's Well, her sponsor.
Aoife is interested in becoming a Member of Parliament so she can foster change and continue to help others. She is inspired by Brigid of Kildare, Ireland’s female patron saint and figure of legend. “I praise her for the kindness and fearlessness she portrayed in her life and I hope to also be a woman who brings joy and strength to others.”
2023 Ottawa Rose Selection Evening - Held at the Official Residence to the Irish Ambassador to Canada, Eamonn Mckee.