Saoirse was inspired by Elysha and Treasa for second Rose tilt

GAVAN BECTON
Inter-county footballer, accomplished athlete, singer and now 2018 Meath Rose, there’s no stopping Skryne’s Saoirse McGrath.
There was great excitement in the Newgrange Hotel Navan on Sunday night as the 22 year-old succeeded 2017 Meath Rose Anne Lynam in representing the Royal County in the Tralee Dome in August.
The third year nursing student in Beaumont Hospital but based in a psychiatric day hospital in Swords was congratulated by all 16 fellow Meath Rose contestants when her name was called out.

 

"It was quite nerve-wracking when they were calling out the names on stage but I'm grand now, said Saoirse who plays football for Skryne GFC and has represented Meath. “It was tough to go up and do our piece but MC Ollie Turner made it really easy for us.” It was a case of second-time lucky for Saoirse, who entered the competition three years ago.
“I enetered the competition first back in 2015 at the time Elysha and Treasa were in it and I was only 19 the first time around and I remember the girls, were so encouraging and supportive that it completely lifted up my confidence after that and I wanted to come back again, especially for what it represents.”

GALLERY: See all the pictures from the Meath Rose Selection Night here 

Proud dad Senan McGrath, chairman of Skryne GAA was thrilled for his daughter.
“I couldn’t believe it when her name was called out. We were just sitting there waiting and you were hoping it was just going to be her, I’m absolutely delighted for her.
“It’s great for Skryne, the bonfires will be lighting now,” laughed Senan who was cheering on with wife Susan in the audience. 
“She’s played for Skryne, played for Meath, done fantastic with athletics and now turned her hand to this so its’ terrific. I’ll have to get a new tuxedo now.”
Saoirse who has two proud brothers in Senan and Tiernan was selected following a glittering selection event which saw 17 young ladies from throughout the county of Meath take part in the annual event. Meath Rose Centre co-ordinator Jonathan Lynch said,  “Saoirse will be a fantastic Rose and we have no doubt that she will go on to represent the county of Meath and the Meath Rose Class of 2018 excellently. We are absolutely thrilled with our selection event and there was a fantastic buzz of support in the Newgrange Hotel to support the wonderful participants in this year’s Meath Rose selection”.