Marquette University Student wins "inner beauty" pageant and is now headed to Ireland

Pre-med student Maeve McSweeney will graduate from Marquette University this weekend.

Days later she takes off for Ireland to represent Chicago and the Wisconsin region in the Rose of Tralee Contest.

McSweeney was a special guest on the CBS 58 News at 4:30 p.m. 

For more than 50 years, the Irish have called women of Irish descent from all over the world to gather in the summer for a tour of Ireland and fun filled activities. Judges are looking for the rose with the \"truth in her eyes\" as dictated by the song's lyrics.

While some may call it Ireland's Miss America pageant,  there is no bathing suit competition.

McSweeney went through a rigorous application process as well as a private interview and then on stage talent presentation during the Chicago regional back in March which is the closest qualifier for women in Wisconsin.

While she aspires to be a doctor, McSweeney is also a singer. She was part of an a cappella group while at Marquette and sang the old Irish favorite \"The Parting Glass\" at the Chicago competition.

Despite the sash and crown organizers insist that roses are selected on their personality.

McSweeney's grandfather and mother are from Ireland. 

She could ultimately travel to Ireland twice this summer. The first heat of the contest at the end of May will narrow down the 60 roses to half that amount. The remaining roses will then travel to Tralee, Ireland in August for the final selection of one International Rose.

McSweeney says win or lose she is just thankful for the opportunity to visit Ireland and share her enthusiasm for Irish culture with other women from around the world.

If you would like to support Maeve in her journey or gather more information on becoming a rose yourself click here.

Share this article: