Speed-dating Roses kick off with lavish ball
Arriving from a whistle-stop tour that took in Kinsale, Kilorglin and Killarney, the air of excited expectancy was palpable as gorgeous girls — led by Kerry Rose Katie Nolan, alighted from their coach to a jazz rendition of the festival’s theme tune.
Flag-flying friends, family and fans from across the globe turned out to cheer them on — and in a rare treat, even the sun came out to greet this year’s Rose of Tralee contestants.
Ahead of last night’s ball at the Dome, escorts and Roses were being paired up.
“We met the girls last night, but we don’t find out who we are paired with until just before the ball,” said Liam Gahan, 25, from Kilkenny.
“We were told last night by some of the organisers that we were the most nervous-looking bunch of escorts they had every seen.
“But once we got talking to the girls and as the night went on, it was grand. We had a kind of speed-dating session — they try and match us up as best as possible. They all seem lovely and it is a great honour to be here.”
Cork Rose Niamh O’Hanlon discovered she was paired with Brian Larkin, a car salesman at Casey’s garage, Roscommon.
“We got on very well and I’m delighted,” said Niamh. “But everyone is lovely, and we are all winners, just to be here.
“It’s been such a great experience so far. I have great support. I have 31 friends coming from Cork.”
Niamh, 27, who works for Anglo Irish Bank, she was only thing she was nervous about were the live shows. “I’m not worried about anything, but the TV part is the one thing that scares me.”
Once they arrived, there was little time for pleasantries as the girls were quickly whisked away to prepare for the lavish ball, where they were introduced to up to 1,000 guests.
But this morning, the girls need to be on top form, as they are waking up to face tough scrutiny from the judges, which include RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy and Brian Crowley MEP.
Coming live from the Dome on Monday and Tuesday nights, the show will be hosted by Ray D’Arcy.
With the festival turning 50 next year, plans are afoot to invite all previous winners back to Tralee.
The contest will also have 50 entrants as opposed to the usual 31, and organisers believe this represents a massive opportunity for the general tourism sector in Kerry.
Rose of Tralee managing director Anthony O’Gara also dismissed rumours that the festival would be moving to Killarney in the future.
“The Rose of Tralee is a Tralee event and it’s staying put,” he said.
“It is very strong at the moment and we are looking forward to a very bright future.”
See Monday’s Irish Examiner for more from Tralee.
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