Radiant Roses blossom in festival limelight

THE Rose of Tralee festival might be unable to make a profit these days but the oldest show in town is still producing dozens of floral wannabes.

After 45 years on the road you would think that a ready supply of women who are fascinated by Tralee, and always dreamed of becoming a Rose, would be impossible to find.

After all, vital resources such as oil and gas have diminished hugely since the first Roses told the world about their dreams and ambitions in 1959.