Rose of Tralee to be crowned tonight

The 2002 Rose of Tralee will be crowned later this evening becoming the 44th in the festival’s history.

In total, 14 contestants will be put through their paces tonight before the winner is announced at about 11pm tonight.

Both the Kerry and Sydney roses have been popular with the punters with the Italian first timer impressing seasoned observers.

Tomorrow, festival organisers will begin the task of finding a new home for next year’s festival because the familiar dome is not available.