Mayo native Shauna crowned London Rose eyes Tralee Festival
Mayo native Shauna Sammon has been crowned the 2025 London Rose at a glamorous selection event held at the Clayton Chiswick Hotel.
Chosen from a group of eleven outstanding finalists, Shauna will now proudly represent London at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in County Kerry this coming August.
The process was judged by a distinguished panel of former London Roses, including Veronica McGowan, Caoimhe Gallagher, and Emma Crean, who carefully assessed each finalist based on their poise, personality, and commitment to their Irish heritage and community engagement.
Before the selection night, Shauna and her fellow finalists embarked on the Official London Rose tour, a series of enriching events designed to build confidence, foster lasting friendships, and celebrate their shared Irish heritage.
Highlights of the tour included an evening dancing at the Hercules pub on Holloway Road, insightful preparation sessions and mock interviews at The Claddagh Ring, and an exclusive, high-profile reception with Ambassador Martin Fraser at the Irish Embassy.
The finalists also enjoyed a bespoke makeup masterclass hosted by the team at Sculpted by Aimee in their Carnaby Street store.
High-profile guests at the event included the current reigning Rose of Tralee, Keely O'Grady, festival CEO Anthony O'Gara and his wife Oonagh O'Gara, alongside other Roses from the 2024 international class, all of whom added a touch of glamour and excitement to the evening.
On being announced as the 2025 London Rose, Shauna expressed her excitement.
She said: “Being named the 2025 London Rose is an incredible honour and something I’ll cherish forever. I’m only coming back down to Earth after the most surreal few days!
"I have had a wonderful experience during the whole London Rose process and met some truly inspiring women on my journey.
"I love my Irish community in London. I have benefited so much from the opportunities it has given me and I’m proud to be London’s ambassador in Tralee.
"I'm excited to meet the 31 other incredible international Roses in August and to share in such a special experience together. I’m equally looking forward to the year ahead, wearing the London Rose sash with pride and getting involved in as many events and community activities as I can.”
Sinead Dineen of the London Rose Centre praised Shauna’s achievement, commented: “Shauna embodies everything that the Rose of Tralee Festival celebrates, pride in her heritage, strong community spirit, and genuine warmth and charisma. We are delighted to have Shauna represent us in Kerry and we know she will do London proud.”
The London Rose Selection is part of the globally recognised Rose of Tralee International Festival, which annually celebrates Irish culture and connects Irish communities worldwide through the empowerment of inspiring young women.