From mental health to a rowing race: Three Rose of Tralee talking points from night one

The first night of the Kerry festival was as varied as ever. Here are some of the moments we're still talking about

Tue, 20 Aug, 2024 - 09:20

Denise O’Donoghue

Party pieces are broader than ever

Harps, bagpipes, card tricks: you name it and the Roses can probably do it.

This year’s contestants showed off their skills on stage with some opting for music, like Dubai Rose Ciara O’Sullivan on the harp, Waterford Rose Abby Walsh on the fiddle, and San Fran Rose Maggie Baglin on the bagpipes, while others showed some alternative skills.

North Carolina Rose Kathryn Wright impressed with a card trick while Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh pulled like a dog to have a 30-second rowing race with Kathryn Thomas live on stage.

Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh row, row, rowed her boat to #theroseoftralee. So impressive! pic.twitter.com/QlFueB46B2
— Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) August 19, 2024

Roses know how to tug at our heartstrings

Of course, the personal stories from many of the Roses struck a chord with viewers at home.

Melbourne Rose, Dervla Dolan spoke about her 18-year-old brother, Enda, who was killed by a drunk driver 10 years ago. Dervla set up a running community called Run for Enda when she moved to Melbourne in memory of her brother who was killed by a drunk driver ten years ago, helping over one hundred people to train for and complete a half marathon and raising money for The Kevin Bell Trust.

Galway Rose Deirdre Jennings also spoke about the death of her father while she was studying for her Leaving Cert. She also shared how she aims to maintain positive mental health and that she loves helping others do the same.

"When you’re in a good place, that’s the best time to work on yourself."

Galway Rose, Deirdre Jennings, shines a light on mental health during the #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/2sJB1Vsrl4
— Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) August 19, 2024

Famous fathers

While Father Ted parodied the Rose of Tralee and showed Ted asking the Lovely Girls contestants about their fathers' jobs, one Rose’s dad was a talking point in the Dome on Monday night.

Wicklow Rose Kerry Byrne is passionate about sports: she plays football, camogie, golf, and rugby with the Arklow women's team. She said she is part of the festival to show girls that you can be comfortable playing sports as well as putting on a pretty dress.

And as for her father? Proud dad and former rugby international Shane Byrne was cheering her on in the audience.