My name is Helen Geary and I am delighted and honoured to be this year's Waterford Rose.
I am an audit associate at KPMG Cork, in the final year of my contract to become a chartered accountant. I am sitting my third and final set of accountancy exams this summer, the FAEs – in the middle of the Rose tour! It will be a very busy summer, but I think they will offer a good balance to each other.
I studied Commerce at UCC and was lucky enough to spend a semester abroad at Babson College, Boston. This gave me a really good insight into the unique talents that Irish people bring to the business world and the capabilities of Irish businesses on the global stage.
During lockdown, I took up a keen interest in running and hiking. It was lovely to explore hikes around Ireland, with Mangerton and Coumshingaun being the highlights.
Recently, I went on a hiking holiday to Madeira, which was an amazing experience and a far cry from the lockdown walks around home.
I hail from a small village called Ballyduff Upper, just on the border between Waterford and Cork. Along with my dad, I am a Waterford hurling supporter – even if that outnumbers my mam, who is a proud Cork woman!
I am so appreciative of the support that my community have given me during my Rose journey, which has made it all the more special.
