The perfect time to cultivate a Rose

THE contest is almost 50 years on the go and young women all over Ireland still vie for the title of Rose of Tralee.

Thirty Roses will take part in the Irish regional final, with six going forward to the finals next August.

Girls who win local competitions in Dublin, Cork and Kerry will progress directly to the final.

Reigning Rose of Tralee Lisa Murtagh from New York is launching the 2008 search for a Rose in Ireland.

“As part of my world tour, I am looking forward immensely to travelling to Australia and returning home to the United States in the coming months to attend the selection of the 2008 Rose in a number of centres,” she said.

The winner in each county will receive a range of prizes, including €1,000.

The Irish regional final, hosted by Ray D’Arcy, will take place at the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, from June 12 to June 15.

The Rose of Tralee will receive a prize worth €25,000 to fund a year of travel that includes fares and accommodation, a generous clothes allowance and spending money. She will also get the use of a car.

The 49th festival will take place from Friday, August 22, to Tuesday, August 26. Once again, the two-night final will be televised live by RTÉ One television on August 25 and 26. Clubs, societies, associations, businesses, family or friends can nominate a contestant. * Entry forms can be downloaded from the Rose of Tralee website, www.roseoftralee.ie