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Belgium - Tracy Culleton is 20 years old and is currently working as a Teleservices Operator for American Express in Brussels. She is taking a year out from her degree course at University of Limerick where she is studying for a degree in Languages with Computing. Her hobbies include Art, Music, Playing the Guitar. She has also completed two parachute jumps and is an All-Ireland Bronze Medallist in Cross Country.

Boston - Karen Kierce was born 19 years ago in Ennis and in 1986 her family moved to Boston. Since then Karen has travelled to Ireland every year. She is currently studying at the University of New England, majoring in Physical Therapy and would ultimately like to specialise in paediatric care. Her personal goals include overall happiness throughout life, success and copious amounts of laughter!

Chicago - Moira O'Connor Curran will be celebrating her 21st birthday a few weeks after the Festival. She is currently working as a waitress to put herself through college. She is attending the University of Iowa, majoring in Management Information Systems and eventually would like to become an Internet specialist. Both her parents were born in Chicago. Her father's family originally comes from Gweedore and her mother's family comes from Galway, Clare and Mayo.

Cork - 19-year-old Carol Anthony currently works as a receptionist, but plans to pursue a degree in psychology in college. The youngest of a family of nine, Carol will be well supported in Tralee as the extended family plan to travel to attend the Selection. A qualified lifeguard, Carol lists among her interests: swimming, dancing and singing. She is no stranger to the stage and has performed at the Cork Opera House.

Darwin - Bridget McQuaid is 21 years old and is currently completing her second degree in Sports Science/Human Movement. She has already completed a three-year degree in Arts/Legal Studies and is working as a Sports Trainer for Northern Territory Rugby Union. Both Bridget's parents and hopefully one of her two brothers will be joining her in Tralee for the Festival. Her hobbies include reading and fishing and she is no stranger to reciting the odd poem or spinning an old yarn!

Dubai - 22-year-old Claire Ward works as a teacher in a private school and plans to continue studying for a Masters in Education in September. Both parents are from Arranmore Island in County Donegal. Claire and her siblings have all spent many summers teaching in the Arranmore Gaeltacht. Her greatest love is travelling, but she also enjoys sport, music, singing and songwriting. She would love to meet Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum, whom she admires for his positive influence on business, tourism and women's affairs.

Dublin - 20-year-old Louise Kerr is a first year student at the Waterford Institute of Technology, where she is pursuing a degree in business studies and marketing. She lists music and drama as her principal hobbies and has played leading roles in several plays and musicals. Louise also enjoys reading in particular the works of Maeve Binchy and Cathy Kelly. Disrespect toward the elderly, smoking and cruelty to animals are her main dislikes. Her parents, brother and extended family will accompany her to Tralee.

Galway - 21-year-old Evelyn O'Connor is a student at NUI, Galway where she is pursuing a BA in French and English. She enjoys reading and swimming and also trains a girls underage soccer team. Additionaly she plays guitar and sings and has won several talent competitions. She has four siblings and all family members intend to travel to the Selection. She describes Galway as "vibrant, cultural and welcoming," and would love to be a student for life.

Japan - 18-year-old Tara Sine Morimoto Wakely has just graduated from High School having completed the International Baccalaureate program, she has plans to go to university in Canada then later in Europe. She has studied Ballet and Piano, but is drawn to a career in Journalism. Her Irish ancestry comes through her father's family which hails from Kells in County Meath. Her hobbies include Music and Drama and she is passionate about animals. She speaks English and Japanese and would love to learn Gaelic.

Kerry - Naomi O'Connor is employed by Gulliver in Killorglin as a Travel Advisor. Aged just 19 she always wanted to work in Tourism and after her Leaving Certificate she completed a Diploma in Travel and Tourism in Dublin. Naomi has two younger sisters Jill and Nicola who will be cheering her on during the Selection together with her mother Patricia and father Tim - as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and Naomi's grandfather.

Limerick - Olive Geary is a graduate of University College Cork and has a BSc. in Food Science. Aged 25 she is currently working for Kerry Group in Business Development and would like to pursue a career in Sales and Marketing. Her hobbies include travelling, keep fit and she is a member of Mungret GAA Club. Her favorite entertainers include D'Unbelieveables, The Corrs, Christy Moore and Robbie Williams. Olive loves working in Tralee for it's good social life and close proximity to the beach and the mountains.

Melbourne - Tara Glynn has worked as a Registered Nurse for the past three and a half years. She has strong connections with Ireland - her father, Thomas is from Ballyhaunis and her mother, Patricia is from Letterkenny. She has one brother Stephen who is coach of a local Gaelic football team in Melbourne. Her hobbies include photography, rollerblading, travelling and tennis. Tara sees her time in Tralee as a once in a lifetime opportunity and feels extremely privileged to represent Melbourne.

New Orleans - A graduate of Louisiana State University, Tara Gorenflo, 23, majored in English Literature and would ultimately like to work in public relations somewhere in Britain. Her maternal Grandmother, who will accompany her to Tralee along with her Mother, traces her roots to counties Galway and Cavan. Tara admires Audrey Hepburn, and enjoys reading, practicing Yoga and playing tennis.

New Zealand - Catherine Goodwin is a 23-year-old Barrister and Solicitor who specialises in Family Law. She currently works in Auckland, but in the near future hopes to gain further legal experience working in the U.K. Catherine has a keen interest in most sports, and still participates in netball and skiing in the winter and tennis in the summer. Her association with the Auckland Irish Society, and in particular the Bredesen School of Dance, 'has been both enjoyable and memorable' and Catherine still finds time to assist her sister in teaching younger dancers.

New York - Róisín Ryan Egenton (23) has always wanted to live and work in Ireland and this was the primary reason for getting a degree in International Studies. She lives in Fanwood, New Jersey with her parents Michael and Katherine, and her brother Cormac. Róisín loves performing and has played the violin since the age of 3. She was Principal of the Manhattan School of Music Philharmonic and even performed twice in Carnegie Hall twice.

Perth - Louise Lowry is 24 years old and has been working as a pre-primary teacher for the last three years. She has a bachelor of arts in education and a graduate diploma of early childhood. Both Louise's parents are originally from Dublin. She has two brothers Mark and David. She plays competition netball and squash and teaches children dancing. During her high school years she participated in all of the school musicals.

Queensland - Liesel Bremhorst graduated in 1999 from the University of Queensland with honours Bachelor of Music. Since graduating she has been employed as a Registered Music Therapist and sees Music Therapy as a long-term career, however she would like to specialise not only in aged care but in the area of pediatrics as well. During her free time, Liesel, 22, enjoys horse riding, reading, needlework, playing music and listening to music. Her parents, Klaus and Patricia will be joining her in Tralee for the Festival.

San Francisco - Kerry Cooper was born in San Francisco 24 years ago and has strong Kerry connections - her father Patrick is from Valentia Island and her mother Nancy was from Caherciveen. Kerry has two brothers and two sisters. Her sister Ann Marie and her brother Kevin - along with her father will be joining her in Tralee. Kerry is a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Centre and her hobbies include mountain bike riding, hiking and spending time with her family.

South Africa - A post graduate student at the University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, 22 year old Fiona Tobin would like to complete her studies with a Masters in English. During her time at university Fiona worked as a journalist on the University Newspaper. Her mother and father as well as her three sisters will be joining her in Tralee as well as her uncles, aunt, their families and friends from Ireland. Her pet hates include telephone bills and speed freaks - as well as weak tea!

South Australia - 24-year-old Jess O'Donnell currently works as a Speech Pathologist in a community health centre, she enjoys working with children up to age 5, but would like to increase her scope to rehabilitating adults who require her skills. She traces her Irish ancestry through both parents, however her mother's Clare-born Grandparents were shipwrecked and nearly did not make it! Her hobbies include restoring old furniture and creating decorative mosaic mirrors.

Southern California - 24-year-old Erin (as she likes to be known) McCreary, is a full-time student and undergraduate researcher at the University of California, Irvine Valley College. Her ultimate ambition is to become a physician specialising in Emergency Medecine. She is in the process of thoroughly researching her family's origins, her Mother's roots being in Cork, and her Father's in Tyrone. Her entire family plus some close friends will attend the Selection in Tralee. Her wealth of hobbies include, Kayaking, Skiing, Dancing and Reading.

Sydney - 23-year-old Gabrielle Wells traces her Irish Ancestry via her parental great-grandparents to Tipperary and Kilkenny. Employed at present as an insurance consultant, she is also undertaking a University Preparation Course to further study law. She enjoys singing and songwriting and playing both piano and guitar. Her trip to Tralee will be "fourth time lucky" in that three previous planned visits were cancelled whilst Gabrielle was living in London. Her supporters will include parents, grandmother, siblings and friends.

Texas - A 23-year-old Technical Support Technician for BrassRing Campus, Julie Dohm plans working in consultancy for the same company within the next two years. As a member of the Irish Dance Company of Austin, Texas, Julie has performed with the Chieftains and the late Frank Patterson. Julie's mother, Sheila, is originally from Co. Cork and will be coming to Tralee to support Julie along with Charles, Julie's father. Julie has two older sisters and one younger brother.

Toronto - Sarah Duncan, 23, grew up in Galway and is now living in Victoria BC. At present she is working as a Teller for Pacific Coast Savings but would like to pursue a career in Anthropology and also wishes to establish a charity for the homeless. Sarah has many hobbies including water-skiing, volleyball and soccer. She has won awards for drama, including a national award at the Sears Drama Festival in 1994. She is looking forward to meeting Gay Byrne to thank him for the Toy Show every Christmas!

UK - Kelly McAnally (24) has a BA Honours Degree in Modern Languages and is currently Vice President of Liverpool Students Union. Kelly was elected by 20,000 students to this position and is Welfare Officer for Irish Students UK. Kelly's parents, Francis and Iris are both from Ballymena. Kelly was last in Kerry four years ago on a family holiday and looks forward to returning to Kerry representing the United Kingdom in the Selection.

Ulster - Lisa Hyndman is a 23-year-old Primary School Teacher from Omagh, Co. Tyrone. She qualified with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and received a Gold Medal for Acting and Stage Tech. - which is the highest grade in UK and Ireland for these subjects. Lisa has travelled extensively - to countries such as Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Spain and France. Her ambitions include obtaining a Masters in Education and to have her own Art Exhibition.

Washington D.C. - A third year student at the University of Virginia, 19-year-old Alison Cunnane is majoring in history, and hopes to explore the fields of Marketing, Consulting, Finance and Law. Her Irish ancestry is derived from her Father whose Great-Grandfather was born near the village of Knock in County Mayo. The Selection will not be her first visit to Ireland as she has previously visited here in search of her Father's ancestral roots. Her parents and brother will accompany her on this occasion.

Waterford - Jane Nolan, 24, is employed by the South Eastern Health Board as a House Parent in a residential unit for children in care. A graduate of W.I.T. she holds a diploma in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Her hobbies include Irish Dancing, travelling and aerobics, and she aspires to teach Irish Dancing on a part time basis. Her immediate family - parents, two brothers and two sisters will be in Tralee for the Selection.

Rose of Tralee Festival: Fri. 18th - Tues. 22nd August 2000