Circus Factory member and aerialist Emer o brien  has entered this year’s Cork Rose 2025. She wants to bring light to a number of topics, including empowering women and finding your inner strength.

We asked Emer some tough questions but in typical Rose fashion, she handled them with poise and grace. Keep reading to find out why Emer wants to represent Circus Factory in Cork Rose and why she, herself wants to partake..

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Emer, and I’m proud to call Mayfield home. I was raised in Ard Bhaile by my wonderful Nan and Grandad, with early memories rooted deeply in family and community. Though we also lived in Ballinderry for a short time, I was too young to remember those days clearly.

I attended St. Patrick’s on Gardiners Hill from junior infants all the way through to my teenage years, and it was there I grew from a curious child into a young woman. Life took a beautiful turn when I became a mother — raising my daughter Emily became my world. As she grew older and started “big school,” I felt inspired to take a step for myself. I enrolled in college to study beauty and body therapy, completing my two-year course and graduating in December 2022 with the highest beauty qualification available in Ireland.

Sixteen months ago, I discovered the Circus Factory through a friend — and with a leap of faith, I signed up. In January 2024, I began my very first term of aerial classes. With the support and encouragement of incredible teachers, my confidence has flourished. The Circus Factory has become more than just a training space — it’s become a place where I’ve found strength, passion, and community.

Now, I’m once again stepping out of my comfort zone by entering the Rose of Tralee selection as a proud Cork Rose contestant, representing the Circus Factory and the journey that’s shaped who I am today.

Why do you want to enter the Cork Rose?

Since I was around eight years old, I’ve always loved spending time with my family – and in a big family, there was always someone to talk to or laugh with! One of my most cherished memories was sitting with my grandmother watching TV, and every year we’d tune into the Rose of Tralee. I remember being captivated by the women on stage – their elegance, confidence, and talent. They were so inspiring, wearing their beautiful gowns and crowns, singing, dancing, or performing Irish traditions. It felt magical.

Back then, I never imagined entering myself – it was something I admired from afar. But a few months ago, a girl I worked with was entering her own pageant and said, “Why don’t you do something like that?” It brought me right back to that little girl watching the Rose of Tralee with her Nan. I smiled and thought, “Actually… why not?”

I found the application online and nearly left it for “another year or two,” until I saw the age limit. Realising this would be my last chance before I age out, I took a leap and entered. This is me honouring that childhood dream and showing my daughter — and others — that it’s never too late to do something bold, beautiful, and totally outside your comfort zone.

Why do you want Circus Factory to sponsor you?

It’s about showing others what’s possible when you say yes to something new, even if it scares you a little.

Emer O Brien

I want the Circus Factory to sponsor me because it’s the place that helped me rediscover myself. I walked through those doors 16 months ago feeling nervous, unsure, and completely outside my comfort zone — and I left each class feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected to who I am.

It’s not just a space to train — it’s a community that lifts people up, celebrates individuality, and gives people of all backgrounds the chance to shine. Representing the Circus Factory at the Rose of Tralee isn’t just about my own journey, it’s about showing others what’s possible when you say yes to something new, even if it scares you a little.

I’d be proud to carry the Circus Factory name because it’s more than a sponsor – it’s where my courage took root.

Why do you want to represent Circus Factory in the Cork Rose?

I want to represent the Circus Factory in the Rose of Tralee in hopes of inspiring other young moms, women, or anyone who’s ever doubted themselves to take that first step — even if it feels scary. Because sometimes, the boldest thing you can do is believe in yourself again.

What issues or topics do you want to highlight as Cork Rose?

As the Cork Rose, I’d love to use my platform to highlight the strength and potential of young mothers, women rebuilding their confidence, and anyone who’s ever felt like they had to put their dreams on hold. Becoming a mom at a young age shaped me, but it didn’t define or limit me – it gave me purpose. Through studying beauty therapy and finding my voice again at the Circus Factory, I’ve learned how powerful it is to take that first step, even when it’s scary. I want to inspire others to believe in themselves again — whether that means going back to education, exploring creative passions, or simply feeling confident in their own skin. Beauty, strength, and self-worth come in many forms, and I’d be proud to represent a message of second chances, self-belief, and rising into your own power.

Do you have any goals and ambitions as a Circus Artist?

Yes, absolutely! My current goal as a circus artist (in the making) is to improve my top bar mount – I’m working on finding that smooth, graceful flow that makes aerial movement look effortless and beautiful. It’s something I’ve really focused on lately because I love the feeling of strength and elegance coming together. Long term, I want to keep pushing myself, build new skills, and maybe even perform more often

Finally, how do you hope to inspire others like you as a Cork Rose?

As a Cork Rose, I hope to inspire others – especially young mothers, women who’ve lost confidence, or anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit the traditional mold – to believe in their own worth and power. I want to show that it’s okay to start over, to try something completely new, and to chase your dreams no matter where you’re starting from. Whether it’s going back to college, picking up a hoop, or simply learning to believe in yourself again – I hope people see my journey and think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” Being the Cork Rose isn’t just about wearing a sash – it’s about standing proudly in who you are and using your voice to lift others up.