‘Everything I do is for mum’: Meet the 2026 Cork Rose Lexi Linnane

I don’t want to be known as ‘the Rose with a sob story’ but as someone who is optimistic and resilient, regardless of what life throws at her.

That’s the message from newly-crowned Cork Rose Lexi Linnane who plans to use her platform this year to raise public awareness of stroke symptoms, and in particular how it’s something that can impact people of all ages.

Lexi’s mom Tracey died tragically three years ago after suffering a devastating stroke at the age of just 37.

“Mom was one of the healthiest and fittest people I knew – her stroke was completely unexpected,” said 19-year-old Lexi.

“It was absolutely horrific, devastating,” she remembers.

Tracey was a well-known and popular member of her community and ran Footdreams Performing Arts studio at the Mahon Point community room for 17 years.

Stephanie McCarthy, 2019 Cork Rose, who was a student at Footdreams Performing Arts, with Lexi’s mum, Tracey O Donovan Linnane.

“My dad and I kept the school going for a few months afterwards but I was only 15 and in the end we decided that mom would have wanted us to focus on our grief and our healing and not the business and that’s what we did, pushing through as best we could as a family.”

Going back to school after her death was incredibly hard but she saw it through. Lexi took a gap year after her Leaving Cert and has just completed her first year of Early Year Childhood studies in UCC. She also teaches dance and musical theatre, inspired by her mother, and is the social media manager and content creator for Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

“Everything I do now is for mom,” said Lexi. That includes her trying out to be this year’s Cork Rose.

Lexi at the Cork Rose selection night.

“I saw an ad for the competition back in January and it got me thinking. As corny as it sounds it has always been a dream of mine to enter – I’ve so many memories of the competition growing up, getting my school bag ready after the holidays and it being on in the background.

“I also thought it would be an opportunity for growth and the perfect way to use my voice in a meaningful way to promote stroke awareness,” said Lexi.

“So many people, including me, think a stroke can only happen to an older person but I know now that’s not true and it’s a passion of mine to get that message out there and make sure people recognise the symptoms,” she said.

Lexi with her dad after being named the 2026 Cork Rose.

She’s the eldest of three and has a brother Lennon (15) and sister Mabel-May (5).

“Mabel-May was only two when mom died and I suppose I’m a mother figure to her as well as a sister. I want to show her mom’s values through me. She was such a strong and incredibly kind person whose smile would light up a room. She was just one of a kind and I want her to know that,” she said.

When Lexi’s name was called out as this year’s Cork Rose her legs almost went from under her!

“I was genuinely so happy with the experience of taking part and friendships I had made among the group of 25 of us. I’ve never experienced a bond like it – it’s like having a huge group of sisters! To hear I had won then as well was unbelievable,” she said.

Lexi Linnane, Coláiste Daibhéid past pupil, with students who had just finished their Junior Cycle Spanish Exam; Lia Nì Shuilleabhain, Aoife Nì Mhainichin, Amelie Sotiriou, Gràs Nì Chathail, Lara Nì Dhoinn, Art Ò Ceallaigh, Vaughan Ò Mordha, Cormac Ò Tuama and Lennon Ò Lionnàin, also included are, Tadhg Ò Laighin, Coláiste Daibhéid Principal and Ciara Breathnach, Lexi’s former Irish teacher. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Her dad Dave and entire family were in the audience to support her and Tracey was there in spirit.

Lexi is now looking forward to a busy summer ahead, fulfilling commitments as the Cork Rose, continuing her work and preparing for the Rose Festival in August.

She’s already visited her old school Coláiste Daibhéid in her new role and is proud to promote the title and what it represents.

“I think the Rose festival is more than just an event but a place to celebrate women and kindness and I’m so excited to be part of that,” she said.

“And I know that mom would be weak for my Rose journey, she would be absolutely delighted and I’m going to do everything I can to make her proud,” said Lexi.

The 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 14 to 18 in Tralee, promising five days of celebration, culture and connection.