Eight reasons why we still watch the Rose of Tralee

And Daithí's not one of them. Sorry.

Are you going to watch the Rose of Tralee tonight?

Some may scoff at the delightfully naff contest but people are watching. Last year, the final night of the Festival attracted an audience of nearly 1.2 million.

Here are a few possible reasons why we still watch the international competition that has been making Roses out of women since 1959.

1. The Lovely Girls

Ah the Roses.

With more brightly coloured wrappers than an actual box of Roses and just as attractive, our 32 contestants are poised, sophisticated and smart.

And they're as varied as a Roses tin as well - you have your sweet caramel hearts and your tough nuts, the deceptively fruity and the ones that have had waaaay too much coffee.

But don't let their sugary exterior deceive you. They're all after just one thing - to get their manicured paws on that lovely piece of Newbridge Silverware.

And no one is gonna stand in their way.

2. The Lovely Escorts.

The finest specimens of Irish males gathered together under the one giant domed tent. And they're all wearing suits.

3. The brilliantly ludicrous talent portions.

It’s like the best and worst parts of every school talent show spread over two nights and there's absolutely no telling what's going to happen next.

A couple of years ago, one Rose was going to actually teach Daithí O' Sé how milk a cow on live TV. Unfortunately, the cow got a little stage-fright and was too spooked to perform so they had to axe it.

The segment, that it, not the cow.

And is it just us or do the talents on display get stranger and stranger every year?

Like this one.

And this one.

We can’t even begin to explain this one.

4. The awkward moments.

So many awkward moments, it;s hard to pick but this one is by far the most infamous.

No no no no no NO NO No no no no no NO NO no. So many ‘no’s.

And although it didn't seem like it at the time, her answer was actually ‘yes’ - the happy couple married in May.

5. Nostalgia fest

It’s been part of our cultural landscape for as long as most of us can remember do it’s likely that we keep watching because it’s familiar and comforting. Andas we become moe cynical, it’s nice to think some things will never change.

Altogether now!

“She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me;

“Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning, That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.”

6. CHEEEEEEEEEESE

Sometimes you just need a bit of cheese, you know? And the Rose of Tralee has it in spades.

It’s a national institution - whether we like it or not - so we might as well embrace it. It’s sort of like the Angelus - you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.

7. Irishness in its purest form

It’s as quintessentially Irish as Michael D. having a quiet pint on St. Patrick's Day while Mrs Doyle forces a cup of tae into BOD's hand with Sinead O'Connor singing in the corner.

Yes, it descends into parody of what it means to be Oirish and it’s a little cringeworthy at times.

But sure where else in the world would you get it?

8. The national sport of begrudgery

There is nothing we love better than a good ol’ moan and it’s even better when we’re all unified in our target.

It’s a time for national bonding so enjoy it.

The Rose of Tralee will be aired tonight and tomorrow (August 18th and 19th) at 8pm and is available for streaming on the RTÉ player.