Luxembourg Rose 2025 Contestants: Interview with Clare O'Donohoe

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 Clare O’Donohoe, 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?

Clare O’Donohoe: I’ve been living in Luxembourg for almost six years, during which I’ve built a strong community of friends and developed both personally and professionally. However, as I put down roots here, I began to feel a growing detachment from Ireland and the life I left behind, as if my Irish roots were pulling away. Participating in the Luxembourg Rose of Tralee has been a way to reconnect with my Irish heritage and remind myself that some roots run deeper.

The highlight of this experience has been the opportunity to expand my network and connect with Luxembourg’s vibrant Irish community. From the Rose Committee and my fellow contestants to Ireland’s diplomatic representatives and the broader community supporting the event, I’ve been inspired by the warmth, stories and shared sense of belonging that this event fosters.

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.

Clare O’Donohoe: I’m 27 years old, born in Dublin and raised in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. After completing my degree in European Studies and my Masters in International Politics, I moved to Luxembourg in August 2019 for a five-month internship at one of the EU institutions. Five months quickly turned into five years, with a few career moves along the way, and I haven’t looked back since.

With regard to the question of what being Irish means, to me, it is much more than heritage alone. It’s about resilience, humour and a deep sense of community. These values have guided me as I’ve built a life for myself in Luxembourg and they continue to shape how I connect with others and approach new opportunities.

Chronicle.lu: What do you love most about Luxembourg and what do you miss most about Ireland?

Clare O’Donohoe: In my opinion, Luxembourg is easily one of the most underrated countries in the EU to live and work. Many of the aspects that I value here - access to nature, beautiful landscapes, safety, a friendly community and a rich history - remind me of Ireland. With rolling green fields just a stone’s throw from Luxembourg City and a strong circle of friends around me, Ireland never feels too far away. That being said, I’ll never stop missing my family and being near the sea. The Belgian coastline doesn’t quite hit the same!

Chronicle.lu: What social issues are you most interested in and passionate about?

Clare O’Donohoe: Politics is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our society and future, and voting is the most accessible way to make your voice heard. In Luxembourg, nearly half of the population is foreign-born and doesn’t have the right to vote in national elections, though they can vote in European and municipal elections. The right to vote is a freedom that was hard-won throughout history, especially for women, and it remains a privilege not universally guaranteed. While all Luxembourgish people are automatically registered to vote and legally required to do so, there’s significant room for improvement in voter registration rates among non-Luxembourg nationals.

Luxembourg is one of the EU’s wealthiest countries, yet around 18% of its population -particularly children - are at risk of poverty. This income inequality is a stark reminder of the need for greater investment in affordable housing, education and healthcare. One way to ensure that these needs are reflected in national policies and to work toward closing these gaps is by registering to vote, staying informed and participating in elections.

Chronicle.lu: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Clare O’Donohoe: As cliché as it may sound, I’d tell my younger self not to let the fear of other people’s opinions hold you back from doing what matters to you. Some of the opportunities I’ve had over the last six years - like moving abroad or even taking part in this competition - might never have happened if I had let embarrassment or fear of judgement stop me. I’ve learned that embarrassment is only as real as you allow it to be. The sooner you let go of it, the sooner you can embrace the opportunities that come your way.