Aoife Burke;
Credit: Daniel Frank
Chronicle.lu recently had the opportunity to speak with the six young women who are vying to be the 2025 Luxembourg Rose.
The winning Rose will be crowned at the Luxembourg Rose Ball, taking place at Parc Hotel Alvisse in Luxembourg-Dommeldange on Saturday 17 May, and will represent the Grand Duchy at the Rose of Tralee International Festival in August 2025.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals. Dating back to 1959, it celebrates Irish communities and in particular young women of Irish descent (Roses), from countries all around the world. Roses are selected in a number of centres worldwide, with over 30 Roses subsequently participating in the Rose of Tralee International Festival, held annually in the town of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. Contestants take part in various activities during the five-day festival including parades and community events, as well as private and live televised interviews. The highlight of the festival is the selection of the International Rose of Tralee who will represent Ireland and the festival, both locally and around the world, during her one-year reign.
The festival name was inspired by a 19th century ballad written by William Pembroke Mulchinock about his forbidden love, Mary, whose beauty earned her the title of “The Rose of Tralee”.
In April 2025, the Luxembourg Rose Centre confirmed the names of this year's Luxembourg Rose contestants. Among them is Aoife Burke, who spoke with Chronicle.lu about her Irish heritage and her reasons for entering the competition.
Chronicle.lu: What motivated you to take part in the competition and what has been the highlight of your time as a contestant so far?
Aoife Burke: I was motivated to take part in the competition because I wanted to meet new people and experience something completely different! I think it's important to push yourself, step outside your comfort zone and try new things whenever you can. The highlight so far has definitely been getting to know the other girls properly and sharing some great laughs together on our bus tour.
Chronicle.lu: Tell us a little about yourself and what being Irish means to you, as well as how long you are living in Luxembourg and what brought you to the Grand Duchy.
Aoife Burke: My name is Aoife and I’ve been living in Luxembourg for almost two years. I work in technology consulting and in my free time, I enjoy playing camogie, painting and reading. I moved here, because I believe your twenties are the perfect time to experience life abroad, meet people from different backgrounds and explore new cultures - and Luxembourg is great for that, as it is so diverse and easy to travel around Europe.
Being Irish is a huge part of who I am. It means having a deep sense of community, resilience and humour - and being part of a culture that values storytelling, sport and connection. I stay connected to my roots through camogie and Irish dancing, both of which keep me grounded in tradition while also bringing joy and energy into my everyday life.
Chronicle.lu: What do you love most about Luxembourg and what do you miss most about Ireland?
Aoife Burke: What I love most about Luxembourg is how it offers the perfect balance between a laid-back atmosphere and the option to stay busy. Whether I’m enjoying peaceful moments on my own or choosing to be active - travelling, meeting friends in the park, hiking, swimming in the lake or playing GAA across Europe, there’s always the flexibility to switch between the two styles of life.
What I really miss about Ireland is the sea, especially since Luxembourg is landlocked and the nearest coast feels a world away. I also miss having all my family and friends living close by, so we could easily spend time together. And of course, I miss having St Patrick’s Day off - something I definitely took for granted back home!
Chronicle.lu: What social issues are you most interested in and passionate about?
Aoife Burke: One social issue I’m particularly passionate about is gender equality, especially in fields like finance, technology and science, where women are still significantly underrepresented. From working in finance and technology, I've seen firsthand how these industries are still largely male-dominated, and it’s the same in academia, where my university maths degree was overwhelmingly male.
I think the lack of female representation is influenced by things like fewer female role models and subtle biases in both education and the workplace. I think it’s important to make these fields more accessible for young women, offering more encouragement and creating environments where they feel confident and supported in pursuing these careers.
Chronicle.lu: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Aoife Burke:
- Things tend to work themselves out - even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment, they usually do.
- Don’t get too caught up in what others think. Most people are focused on their own path and figuring things out, just like you. And more often than not, people genuinely want the best for each other.
- Be kind to everyone, including yourself - you’re doing just fine.
