London Rose Clare Kamembattu is this morning celebrating the successful end to months of well-practiced smiles, manicures and high-heeled shoe blisters after being named the 2010 Rose of Tralee.

PREPARING to break the hearts of 31 women who have just been handed hurleys is every man’s worst nightmare, but an Irish singing sensation is still managing to take it all in his stride.

THE Kerry footballers and last year’s All-Ireland champions suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Down, at the weekend, but the Rose of Tralee contest could yet provide some consolation for the Kingdom.