US Roses out in force for Tralee festival

THE first roses of summer have been spotted in Dublin but it won’t be long before they’re cultivated in front of a bigger audience in Tralee.

The first official preamble to the 47th Rose of Tralee International Festival took place yesterday as the eight US Roses visited the US embassy in Ballsbridge.

It was the first chance for some of the overseas representatives to meet each other, although US ambassador James C Kenny was unable to attend the function due to illness. The group was greeted by the deputy chief of mission, Jonathan Benton, who wished them good luck in their attempt to become the first US winner of the competition since New York rose Roisin Egenton won the title in 2000.