Luxembourg Rose 2025 Contestants: Interview with Clare Stroomer

Chronicle.lu recently had the opportunity to speak with the six young women who are vying to be the 2025 Luxembourg Rose.

The winning Rose will be crowned at the Luxembourg Rose Ball, taking place at Parc Hotel Alvisse in Luxembourg-Dommeldange on Saturday 17 May, and will represent the Grand Duchy at the Rose of Tralee International Festival in August 2025.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals. Dating back to 1959, it celebrates Irish communities and in particular young women of Irish descent (Roses), from countries all around the world. Roses are selected in a number of centres worldwide, with over 30 Roses subsequently participating in the Rose of Tralee International Festival, held annually in the town of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. Contestants take part in various activities during the five-day festival including parades and community events, as well as private and live televised interviews. The highlight of the festival is the selection of the International Rose of Tralee who will represent Ireland and the festival, both locally and around the world, during her one-year reign.

The festival name was inspired by a 19th century ballad written by William Pembroke Mulchinock about his forbidden love, Mary, whose beauty earned her the title of “The Rose of Tralee”.

In April 2025, the Luxembourg Rose Centre confirmed the names of this year's Luxembourg Rose contestants. Among them is Clare Stroomer, who spoke with Chronicle.lu about her Irish heritage and her reasons for entering the competition.

Chronicle.lu: What motivated you to take part in the competition and what has been the highlight of your time as a contestant so far?

Clare Stroomer: I’m incredibly proud to be both Luxembourgish and Irish, and that sense of pride in both sides of my identity is what motivated me to enter the Rose of Tralee. When my mother told me that Luxembourg was re-entering the competition this year, she asked if I might like to apply. At first, I wasn’t sure - I’m a student and I wondered whether I’d really fit in. But when I spoke to my friends, my Irish roommates and my cousin, they all encouraged me. They told me: “Clare, you’d be perfect for this - you’re proud of being Luxembourger, but you never forget your Irish roots.”

That really stuck with me, because it’s true: I’ve always embraced my Irish heritage, and I love learning more about it and sharing stories about Ireland with the people I meet in Luxembourg. To me, the Rose of Tralee celebrates women of Irish heritage around the world - and being part of it isn’t just about representing my Irishness but also representing the women of Luxembourg and showing how we can build connections across cultures, while never losing sight of where we come from.

The highlight so far has been meeting such inspiring, kind and passionate women from all walks of life who share this love for Irish culture. It’s made me feel part of something much bigger than myself.

Chronicle.lu: Tell us a little about yourself, your Irish heritage and what being Irish means to you.

Clare Stroomer: My mother is from Dublin, and as you can imagine, growing up with an Irish mother has influenced me a lot. From having potatoes with nearly every meal, to listening to RTÉ Radio every morning, to waiting patiently while she chatted for ages with strangers in the shopping queue (typical for the Irish) - those little things shaped my childhood.

My mother has always been so proud of being Irish, and that pride was something I really noticed when I spent time in Cork on Erasmus. I was struck by how proud everyone is to be Irish - it’s a pride that makes so much sense the more you experience it.

For me, being Irish is about so much more than people loving our accent (though I’ll admit, that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about a deep sense of connection and belonging, about carrying forward our stories and traditions, and being part of something much bigger than yourself. As a culture, we’ve been through so much and yet we stand strong, proud and determined never to forget where we’ve come from. That’s what makes being Irish so meaningful to me.

Chronicle.lu: What do you love most about Luxembourg and Ireland?

Clare Stroomer: As someone born and raised in Luxembourg, there are so many things I love about my home, but a few really stand out. I’m especially grateful for having gone through the Luxembourgish school system, where I had the chance to meet people from all over the world and learn several different languages. This shaped me hugely - it showed me how friendships can grow across cultures and how people from so many different backgrounds can come together and connect, no matter where we’re from. I also love how small Luxembourg is. Every time I come home from university, no matter where I go, I always bump into people I know - it makes me feel so connected and it’s something I really treasure.

Before I lived in Ireland for nearly a year for university, I’d probably have said my favourite things about Ireland were Brennans bread and 99s! But after finishing my final year in Cork, I can honestly say what I love most is how friendly and chatty everyone is. Every time I got on a train or bus, I’d end up having conversations with strangers. Those little chats always made my day - there’s something so warm and welcoming about Irish people. That’s what Ireland means to me: friendly faces, great chats and a genuine openness that makes you feel at home.

Chronicle.lu: What social issues are you most interested in and passionate about?

Clare Stroomer: I’ve always been passionate about a range of global issues, and as a law student I’ve been able to explore many of them more deeply - especially those related to human rights. One issue that’s always been close to my heart is equality, particularly women’s rights. I’ve seen firsthand how much work still needs to be done, both in my own country and around the world, to achieve true gender equality.

I’m also very concerned about climate change, especially with the devastating floods in Valencia and the wildfires in Portugal and the US. These events are a powerful reminder of how urgent the climate crisis is, not just for us but for future generations too.

Another cause I care deeply about is blood donation. There’s a constant global need for blood, and there never seems to be enough. I’ve tried to be an advocate for donation, encouraging friends and others to give blood whenever they can - it’s such a simple act, but it can save lives.

Chronicle.lu: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Clare Stroomer: This is a tough one, but honestly, I think the best advice I could give my younger self is… not to give any advice at all. I really believe that everything happens for a reason and every experience - good or bad - has its place in shaping who we become.

But if I had to say something, it would be: “Don’t stress so much about life. Enjoy the big moments, but don’t forget to appreciate the little ones too. Embrace both the ups and the downs, because they’re all part of what will make you strong, resilient and proud of who you are.” So, to my younger self: “Don’t worry too much - everything happens for a reason. And no matter what, you’re going to be okay.”