THIS year’s Limerick Rose says she wants to show that being on the autism spectrum doesn’t limit a person’s potential.
Molli-Ann O’Halloran (19) from the Ennis Road in Limerick City will represent the Treaty County at the Rose of Tralee Festival this summer. .
Representing Autism Supporting Diversity (ASD) Ireland, Molli-Ann, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers, says she wants “to show people that just because you have autism doesn’t mean you can’t do something.
“I want to raise awareness and shine a light,” she added.
Molli-Ann is a student at the University of Limerick, where she studies at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
She has had a passion for music and is employed by Shannon Heritage as a singer at Bunratty Castle.
Being nominated as the Limerick 2023 Rose is far from Molli-Ann’s first brush with fame. In 2018, she performed in front of millions when she was seen on screens nationwide on the Late Late Toy Show.
Molli-Ann is a huge advocate for people with autism and hopes to spread awareness and show that anything is possible. She stole the hearts of judges and audience alike by singing “Part Of Your World”.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s event. All the Rose entrants were of extremely high calibre and Molli-Ann will make a superb ambassador for Limerick as the 2023 Limerick Rose” said Lori Humphreys, coordinator of the Limerick Rose Centre.
On the night of the Limerick final, a raffle was held with all proceeds going to Dochas Autism Mid West, charity partner of the 2023 Limerick Rose Centre.
Molly-Ann now has just a few months to prepare for the International Festival which this year will be held from August 18 to 23.
