LIMERICK woman Leah McMahon will fly the flag for the county when she dons the iconic silk sash at this year’s Rose of Tralee festival.

Speaking about what makes her proud when wearing the sash, particularly given her roots in Southill which has been one of Limerick’s most disadvantaged areas, Leah, 29, said: “It’s about representing Limerick and representing it from the side of growing up in Southill. I think about all the kids that have grown up in similar areas, and I want them to have that self-belief and see what the path to education can bring.”

The financial planner who spent her teens growing up in Castletroy was selected as this year’s rose in May at the prestigious Limerick Rose selection where she was chosen over 17 other contestants to represent the Treaty County.

Speaking at The George Hotel last Tuesday as part of the national rose tour, Leah remarked that the bond she and the other Roses have formed is “just amazing, we’re laughing, joking, we are just having the time of our lives”.

“There is just a unique sense of girlhood among the group”.

SEE ALSO:WATCH: Limerick turns out in force to welcome Rose 

A proud University of Limerick alumna, Leah completed the Bachelor of Business Studies at Kemmy Business School in 2019 and has since forged a successful career in financial planning.

Leah went on to complete the Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA) and Specialist Investment Advisor (SIA) exams before attaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning – the highest qualification that professionals in her field can attain. Of the 1,000 certified financial planners in Ireland, 23% are female – and Leah intends to count herself among them when she completes the course in early 2026.

Her motivation truly shone during third year of her undergraduate degree when she discovered she was pregnant just before starting her co-operative placement. 

Leah recalled finding out the news the week before her Christmas exams and resolving to power through. She sat and passed her exams, and proceeded to complete her full co-op placement just weeks before welcoming daughter Ella, now seven, with her partner, Al.

“I put a really high importance on education; that, in all the circumstances and barriers I faced, I never said ‘I’ll drop education’. I always kept it at the top of my priorities, because it was something that I believed would build me up,” she explained.

Now working as financial planner with Castle Capital Financial Planning, Leah also delivers a female-focused financial literacy workshop, Bláthú (the Irish word for ‘blossoming’) and is a regular media contributor.

She has found her niche in using her expertise to educate and empower women in financial literacy, from the basics of finance to salary negotiation. She feels strongly that every woman has the power to be financially independent.

This coming week, Leah will be achieving a goal of her own as she takes to the stage as the Limerick Rose at the 2025 Rose of Tralee contest.

Being selected is a dream come true for Leah, who is passionate about being a role model for the next generation.

“Its really important for me to show off what the Rose of Tralee is about, how educated, strong and independent all the women in it are”.

Leah volunteers with Novas, a charity working with families and single adults who are disadvantaged and socially excluded; primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Alongside all the amazing opportunities being the Limerick Rose presents Leah is determined to give back to society and use her platform for good.

“I want to continue to share that message about the importance of education. I’m on the other side where I’m not homeless, I’m not in addiction. I’m very grateful to be in the position that I’m in, but I know that a lot of the people availing of Novas’ services are from the same areas that I’m from. So I have the opportunity to highlight the importance of Novas, and even the Limerick Youth Service, and helping people to build their lives.”

You can watch Leah on the live RTÉ Rose selection nights this Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19, on RTÉ 1 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.