Rose festival hailed a success by organisers
Close to one million viewers also watched the two-part televised final.
RTÉ said more than 570,000 people tuned in to watch Monday’s selection first-part programme.
Viewing figures topped last year’s total of 990,000, making the Rose of Tralee one of the top television shows of the year.
Festival spokesman Ted Keane said: “We really hope the figures reach the one million mark as, last year, the Rose of Tralee was the third biggest show on television.”
Viewers from as far away as Darwin in Australia were following last night’s coverage, thanks to footage being screened on the internet.
In advance of last night’s final selection, host Ray D’Arcy brushed off critics who knock the festival, revealing even his own friends were loyal viewers.
D’Arcy said: “I think to over-analyse the Rose of Tralee and its appeal is dangerous enough. The contest is a little bit of a mystery, and it has a Eurovision appeal to it.
“Part of what the show is about is how the girls have changed with Irish society.
“We have someone like Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (2005 winner) and she’s a modern, confident, intelligent, independent Irish woman.
“She reflects the way Irish society has grown.”
He also confided how he was nervous about hosting the show, sharing the anxieties of the 30 Roses he had to show off to the public.
D’Arcy said: “I spoke to my mother on Monday night and she’s a bit nervous for me but also proud at the same time. She apologised for not ringing me before the show but said she didn’t want to make me nervous, but I was anyway.”
Behind the scenes, the Roses said presenter D’Arcy had helped settle their nerves and allowed them to shine before the five-strong judging panel.
Earlier yesterday, the Roses did their final bit to win public support by attending a civic reception in Tralee — and caused traffic chaos in the Kerry town.
Putting a brave face on a late onset of nerves, they posed for one last photocall on a traffic island with its own fountain.
Their appearance caused scores of drivers to slow down to catch a glimpse of the Roses but no motorist seemed to mind the diversion they created.
Tralee Mayor Norma Foley said the festival remained of immense importance — with footage being seen worldwide thanks to the internet.
She said: “The Roses are remarkable ambassadors for their cities and the international ones celebrate the success of the Irish abroad.
“We would not be shy in showing off our town — there’s a new confidence in Ireland and we see that in Tralee and the festival.”
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