Limerick woman Leah McMahon will fly the flag for her alma mater as well as her county when she dons the iconic silk sash at this year’s Rose of Tralee contest.
Leah, 29, who is originally from Southill and spent her teens growing up in Castletroy, was selected as the Limerick Rose in May. A proud UL alumna, Leah completed the Bachelor of Business Studies at Kemmy Business School in 2019 and has since forged a successful career in financial planning.
While initially drawn to HR, Leah “fell in love” with financial planning after graduating and embarking upon a graduate programme in financial services.
“It surprised me how much it clicked, and it was all very relevant for me – needing financial planning, and the security around being comfortable with your finances,” said Leah.
Leah went on to complete the Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA) and Specialist Investment Advisor (SIA) exams before attaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning – the highest qualification that professionals in her field can attain. Of the 1,000 Certified Financial Planners in Ireland, 23% are female – and Leah intends to count herself among them when she completes the course in early 2026.
Leah’s dedication to her education – something instilled in her from a young age – is impressive.
“I put a really high importance on education; that, in all the circumstances and barriers I faced, I never said ‘I’ll drop education’. I always kept it at the top of my priorities, because it was something that I believed would build me up,” she explained.
Her motivation truly shone during third year of her undergraduate degree, when she discovered she was pregnant just before starting her co-op placement. Leah recalled finding out the news the week before her Christmas exams and resolving to powering through. She sat and passed her exams, and proceeded to complete her full co-op placement just weeks before welcoming daughter Ella, now seven, with her partner, Al.
Leah will never forget the support and encouragement she received from UL staff, especially her student advisor, Professor Michael Morley, who provided sage advice – particularly as Leah considered entering final year just weeks after becoming a mother.
“At the time, I was adamant that I would be back. And I remember, I met with Michael, and he said, ‘I think you need to take the time; I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself’.
“He was just very kind to me. And I think, at the time, I was anxious and thought I was going to be facing some kind of judgement; but it was very much about whatever support I needed.
“My fear was that if I didn’t go back and do fourth year, I would get a bit complacent and I wouldn’t go back the following year. That’s why I wanted to go in and get it done – I wanted my degree.
“Michael said ‘you will be back here next September but just take the time now.’ He was really nice, and I think I needed that.”
True to Professor Morley’s words, Leah did return to UL the following September and completed final year, while partner Al completed his studies in Psychology and Sociology, also ɫƵ. The couple went on to graduate together in August 2019, marking the culmination of all their hard work.
“Al graduated on Monday, and I graduated on Tuesday. I had gotten my cap and gown, and I had ordered a set for Ella as well, so I have a picture of the three of us, in front of the ski slopes, in the cap and gown. It’s my favourite picture ever,” she said, smiling.
“It was that moment of ‘we did it, we got through it’. Schedule-wise, it wasn’t heavy – I think it was 20 hours a week; but we had to work as well in the middle of it, along with the sleepless nights.”
Now working as Financial Planner with Castle Capital Financial Planning, Leah also delivers a female-focused financial literacy workshop, Bláthú (the Irish for ‘blossoming’) and is a regular media contributor. She has found her niche in using her expertise to educate and empower women in financial literacy, from the basics of finance to salary negotiation.
“Finance itself is overwhelming. I get what it is to be a woman; I get what it is to be a mother, and I get what it is to be in a role that’s extremely male-dominated,” she explained.
“I wanted to create something to tackle the issues that I see, and even the things that I’ve been through myself, which is why I created Bláthú. It’s interactive with the audience, and I keep it to between 30 and 40 women. I’m the financial coach, and I have a performance coach. We talk about career progression, your mindset in terms of being strategic with your time, and intentional goal setting.”
This August, Leah will be achieving a goal of her own as she takes to the stage as the Limerick Rose at the 2025 Rose of Tralee contest. Being selected is a dream come true for Leah, who is passionate about being a role model for the next generation.
“It’s about representing Limerick and representing it from the side of growing up in Southill. I think about all the kids that have grown up in similar areas, and I want them to have that self-belief and see what the path to education can bring,” she explained.
Leah volunteers with Novas, a charity working with families and single adults who are disadvantaged and socially excluded; primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Amid a flurry of exciting events coming up for her family (she is also getting married next year), she is determined to give back to society and use her platform for good.
“I want to continue to share that message about the importance of education. I’m on the other side where I’m not homeless, I’m not in addiction. I’m very grateful to be in the position that I’m in, but I know that a lot of the people [availing of Novas’ services] are from the same areas that I’m from… It’s about highlighting the importance of Novas, and even the Limerick Youth Service, and helping people to build their lives."