Roses blossom under constant scrutiny as judgement day beckons

JUDGEMENT day is nigh for this summer’s roses, but they’re not wilting under the strain. The judges hover everywhere, even when the girls make their way up the aisle at St John’s church during Sunday mass.

There’s no Gay Byrne on the judging panel anymore, but another familiar face is keeping a keen eye on the blooming beauties. Newsreader Anne Doyle has all the grace of a rose but her job, as one of the six judges, is to put the girls through their paces.

“The girls have a very packed schedule and they are busy all the time. Our job is about constant observation but we won’t be too hard on them,” she said.