Mayor Grace Uí Niallais has held a reception for the Derry Rose in the Guildhall to wish her good luck ahead of next month's international competition.

Cara Hamilton from the Top of the Hill area of Derry will travel to Tralee next month to represent the city and Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna.

Mayor Uí Niallais said, "It was fantastic to meet Cara and hear all about the work that goes into becoming a Rose of Tralee. She is a great ambassador for our city and district and we will be behind her all the way to Tralee!"

Cara was accompanied at the Mayoral reception by family and friends.

The Mayor with Cara and her family and friends, Christopher McCloskey, Dawn Connor, Emmett McCallion, Teresa Frazer, Kate Hamilton, Una Hamilton, Cara's mum, Annemarie McCallion, Donna Jones and Mark McCloskey. Picture Martin McKeown. 15.07.26

placeholder image — The Mayor with Cara and her family and friends, Christopher McCloskey, Dawn Connor, Emmett McCallion, Teresa Frazer, Kate Hamilton, Una Hamilton, Cara's mum, Annemarie McCallion, Donna Jones and Mark McCloskey. Picture Martin McKeown. 15.07.26

The Rose of Tralee returns to County Kerry from August 14 to August 18.

Cara and the other roses representing Ireland and abroad will take to the stage at the Kerry Sports Academy at the MTU on the final two days of the festival and competition.

There are 32 roses taking part in the competition this year from across Ireland and as far away as America, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

Derry Rose Cara recently completed her degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice.

The Mayor Councillor Grace Uí Niallais pictured during a reception for Cara Hamilton in recognition of being crowned Derry Rose 2026. Cara will travel to the finals representing Derry and Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna at the Tralee International Festival in August. The citation on the crystal commemorative gift recognises the 21 year old from Gobnascale area of the city, reads “Your achievement brings honour to our community and reflects the spirit, grace and pride of the people of Derry”. Picture Martin McKeown. 15.07.26

In her introduction for the Rose of Tralee Cara states: “Growing up in Derry has made me a very talkative and friendly person. I enjoy playing Gaelic football for my local club, Na Piarsaigh, where I play on our first-ever senior ladies’ team, established this year.

"I love keeping active, but I also enjoy spending time with the girls on the team, as many of us grew up together.

"I also achieved my Fáinne after studying Irish for eight years throughout school. In my spare time, I love continuing to learn Irish and helping my younger sister work towards getting her Fáinne too.

"I am delighted to have been selected as the Derry Rose for 2026, and I cannot wait to represent my community, as I am incredibly proud to be a Derry Girl!”

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals, and was first held back in 1959.

The festival comprises the Rose of Tralee selection, family carnivals, fashion show and live concerts.