The rain stopped just in time for Tralee’s Rose Parade on Saturday, but last night the focus in The Dome was on fashion, before the spotlight falls firmly back on the first 18 finalists later this evening.

I almost found myself not wanting the Philip Tracey-designed crown to be taken from Maria Walsh, writes Alison O’Connor

After a bizarre night of dung-spitting, science experiments, and Dáithí Ó Sé playing dress-up, the country is waiting with baited breath to find out what else the Rose of Tralee could possibly have in store.

Kerry Rose Julett Culloty brushed tears from her cheeks yesterday as she told how she had been diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago.

Forget the tiara, the cash prize, the jet-setting lifestyle, and the year-long high profile.