Rose of Tralee selection kicks off as O'Sé confirms romance

The 51st annual Rose of Tralee selection begins in the Co Kerry town tonight.

Thirty-two Roses from around Ireland and the globe are vying for the title won last year by the London Rose, Charmaine Kenny.

It is a big night for presenter Daithi O'Sé, who is taking over the reins from Ray D'arcy.

O'Sé has admitted for the first time that he is dating the 2008 New Jersey Rose Rita Talty since before the summer.

This year's selection process begins in the Dome at 8pm.