ORGANISERS of the Rose of Tralee festival last night hailed the event a roaring success with 150,000 visitors flocking to the Kerry town for the fun.

YOU’D never have caught Gaybo or Marty doing it, but Ray D’Arcy’s belly-dancing antics onstage at the Rose of Tralee last night showed just why he’s a huge hit with competitors and organisers alike.

Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue is to attend the Rose of Tralee international festival today where his niece is among 30 women vying for the title.

The odds were tightening today as punters made last-minute bets on who is going to wow the judges to be crowned this year’s Rose of Tralee.

WE are a festive nation — and the latest figures confirm it. Irish festivals attracted more than seven million revellers in 2002, equivalent to every person in the country attending at least one event.