Laois Rose, Katelyn Cummins, believes that growing up on a farm is an experience every child should have.

She told Agriland: “Our dairy farm in Castlemarket, near Ballyouskill on the border of Kilkenny and Laois, has been in the family four generations. My dad took it over from his father and has since progressed further with it.

“Being in the outdoors from a young age and learning to work has definitely shaped me into who I am today.”

Katelyn said she always helped out a lot on the farm even as a young girl, feeding calves, milking cows, covering silage pits and dosing cattle.

“I would have always given out before I had to make my way to the farm, but once I got there I was grand.

“Being the oldest child in my family, I never had much choice but to help out, but I will say it will always be a memory I can share with my dad.

“Even my granny used to clean out the yard where the cows gathered for milking and it just goes to show that farming really does keep families close and bonded,” the Laois Rose said.

Apprentice electrician

A second-year apprentice electrician, she knew at an early stage that she wanted to take a different career path.

“When I was in Transition Year in secondary school, as part of the Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP), we had to complete a week of work experience,” she recalled.

I didn’t want to do the typical work experience that a lot of teenagers tend to do, primary schools and the vet.

“I had a strong feeling I wasn’t going to college and wanted to do a job with my hands.”

Katelyn’s father got in contact with the local electrician, who agreed to take her on for the week.

“I loved every second. We worked on various different sites, such as a cheese factory; a swimming pool; a warehouse, and a normal house. I was so intrigued by the different schematics needed in each different setting.

“Growing up on the farm is a huge part of why I am training to be an electrician today. The support and enthusiasm I got from local neighbours and friends was extremely positive. It definitely helped me to keep pursuing my goals,” Katelyn said.

However, when it came to finding full-time employment as an electrician, things proved more difficult.

“It was extremely tough to get an employer as a female with little to no experience but I eventually found one and started my job with Alpha Drives in Portlaoise, on October 23,” Katelyn said.

“Most people ask if it’s hard to work with all men and to be honest, it’s not. There’s always a bit of craic, nothing is taken too seriously and we spend majority of the time laughing.”

Keen to see more women take up apprenticeships, her advice to anyone who wants to take the same path is to believe in yourself.

“What’s for you won’t pass you, and work hard,” she advised.

Macra

Katelyn joined North Kilkenny Macra in November 2023 to take part in the annual Capers show.

“I have since taken part in many competitions and been to many different events within Macra which has also taught me a lot,” she explained.

Katelyn was elected chairperson in July 2024 for the year 2024/2025.

“It has been a whirlwind all around. Our club hosted a country and music night in aid of Cois Nore Cancer support in November 2024 in the Avalon House Hotel, Castlecomer. It was a huge success with many other Macra clubs and local communities joining us.

“Macra is a brilliant initiative for people living in rural Ireland and those who want to learn and do more activities,” Katelyn said.

Rose of Tralee

The Rose of Tralee was always on her radar.

“As a young girl when August came around annually, time was always made to watch the Rose of Tralee.

As like most young Irish girls, we all dream at least once of being on that stage in the dome. My parents always knew that I would someday put myself forward for it,” she said.

The apprentice electrician explained that she originally took part in the experience to “make more girl friends in Laois, as it’s quite difficult in my job to meet females”.

“I never expected my name to be announced at the end of the night as Laois Rose. It has been a thrilling and rewarding experience so far and I haven’t even got to Tralee.

Katelyn added that she has already met many of her “Rose sisters”.

“It’s safe to say we are such a close group. Friendships bloomed from the moment we took part in the selection process and it’s only been proven to get even better as we get closer to Tralee,” she said

“The people I’ve met and places I’ve been have been amazing and have really opened my eyes to the community in Laois and across the country.”

The Rose of Tralee tour begins in Meath on August 10, with the live television shows taking place on August 18-19.

The Laois Rose said: “I cannot wait to meet all the international Roses and have a family of 31 other girls.”

There are no words to fully explain the Rose experience unless you become a part of it, according to Katelyn.

“My family and friends are over the moon and are beyond excited to support me in the dome in Tralee,” she said.

After she completes her apprenticeship, the plan is to go to Australia, Canada and the US for a few years.

Katelyn said: “It’s a passion of mine to travel and see the world and I am very excited to do it. I would also love to do an engineering apprenticeship when I return home, or maybe set up my own business.”

Apprentice electrician

Macra

Rose of Tralee

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Laois Rose: Growing up on a farm 'an experience every child should have'