Roses safe as houses with help from the boys in blue

IF it was protection from men in uniform they wanted, the 28 Rose of Tralee contestants could feel very secure during the weekend.

Not only are three of the escorts members of the armed forces, the naval patrol vessel, Le Niamh, was berthed in Fenit, and the Roses were guests of Lieut Commander Jim Shalloo and his officers.

On Saturday, they attended an on-the-ground display by the Air Corps, at Kerry Airport, and some tested the seats of the Government jet for comfort.