The Rose of Tralee blooms in Goshen

GOSHEN — On April 22, the International Rose of Tralee organization and the New York Rose of Tralee Center chose 22-year-old Sarah Ward of Goshen to act as the local ambassador to the organization’s International event in August.
Ward, a nursing student, represents young women of Irish heritage who have dedicated themselves to their communities with sincere connection to their Irish roots.
Ward was born and raised in Goshen. Her dad, Tom, hails from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, raised by Margaret McKenna (co. Monaghan) and Mickey Ward (co. Donegal). Ward’s mom, Liz Kervick, grew up in Waterford City and moved to New York at age 23 to work as a nurse.
Ward earned her bachelor of arts in biology and psychology from the State University of New York at Geneseo in May 2017. During her time at Geneseo, she was a member of the club cheerleading team, Relay for Life, and the TriBeta Biological Honors Society. Ward is currently completing her bachelor of science in nursing through Binghamton University’s accelerated program, and will be graduating this May. She is thrilled to start her job as a nurse in the coming year, and is waiting to hear from residency programs in New York City and Boston. Her dream is to continue her education in nursing specializing in women’s health.
Ward spent her childhood summers running around Dunmore East (co. Waterford) with her siblings and many cousins. Her family made sure to make Ireland feel like a second home, and it is still her favorite place in the world. Exposure to Ireland brought about a great passion for travel, something Ward was able to take advantage of when she studied in London for a semester during her junior year, and something she hopes to continue to pursue.
About the Rose of TraleeThe intent of the Rose of Tralee festival is to connect the global Irish community. Rose contestants are ambassadors for their local community and they provide a focal point for the city the Rose represents to join in celebrating Irish heritage along with other cities worldwide.
Rose of Tralee regional selections take place from February through June, culminating in a five-day festival in County Kerry, Ireland. Attendees can embark on sightseeing and history tours, take to the water for boating and fishing tours, participate in the festival’s cycling and running races, and much more.
For more information on the history of the festival, as well as what to expect at the 2018 celebration, visit roseoftralee.ie.