Anna Geary has compared being a Rose of Tralee contestant with lining out on the pitch.

Despite a determined effort, defending champion Susan Fitzpatrick had to settle for the bronze medal yesterday at the European Pony Championships in Millstreet, Co Cork, after a closely-fought battle.

There’s a fairly rigorous selection process, a mission involving a wide range of duties, and the dress code involves a tuxedo — no, not Her Majesty’s Secret Service, rather the Rose of Tralee escort panel.

Bar staff were left stunned after two Russian businessmen spent more than £130,000 (€152,000) during a staggering three-hour drinking session.

MT CONGREVE, WATERFORD €495,000

It’s the morning after the night before and while the words “tired” and “emotional” are crashing around tender Tralee heads, US southern belle Haley O’Sullivan has more important issues on her mind.

Craic, music and food mighty in Westport

SHERRY seems to be having a small revival at the moment after many years in the doldrums and my strong advice is that this is one bandwagon you need to join.

Yes, we will have a summer.

DURING the Rose of Tralee selection last Tuesday night, Dáithí O Sé mentioned “dry counties” to the Texas Rose. It was the first time I had heard the term being used for a long time, but I do remember the first time I heard of a “dry county”.

THE search is on for a bunch of budding escorts to tend to the needs of 32 women from Ireland and abroad vying for the coveted Rose of Tralee title.

Rose Martin on a top-quality home all ready for new owners.

Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Rose saw his total pay package jump 28% last year despite a 40% fall in profits at the retail giant, it was disclosed today.

Rose Martin discovers a Cobh residence that’s perfectly finished.

Around 75,000 employees of Marks & Spencer face slashed bonus pay-outs this week despite the retail giant achieving £1bn (€1.25bn) in profits for the first time in a decade, it was reported today.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer today announced plans to gain a bigger slice of the fast-growing Indian market by opening at least 50 new stores in the next five years.

Players Please could make a rapid return to action in a valuable contest at the weekend following his impressive success in the Hygicare Handicap at Thirsk.

GET ready for Guns n’ Roses in the dome in Kerry next week — as three cops take to the stage to contest this year’s Rose of Tralee.

EL CERRO, very much on the upgrade, is the nap choice to land the Coors Lite Handicap at Limerick this evening.

Confectionery giant Cadbury Schweppes sold another batch of businesses today as it remained on track to generate €368m from disposals by the end of the year.

Set on the edge of Waterfall village, it is two miles to the Rise in Bishopstown, and another few hundred yards to the city’s city ring road network.

NORTH of England trainer, Jimmy Finnick, was very active at the Curraheen Park sales yesterday, picking up a few choice lots.

THE search for Miss Cork 2005 was launched last night.