Kerry Rose aims to regain Kingdom pride

THE Kerry footballers and last year’s All-Ireland champions suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Down, at the weekend, but the Rose of Tralee contest could yet provide some consolation for the Kingdom.

Kerry representative Veronica Hunt is the new favourite to win the contest, according to bookmakers Boylesports.

The choreographer’s odds have been slashed from 12/1 to 11/2 after the bookmaker saw a flood of money for her.

If she succeeds, her backers will be paid out a significant five-figure sum.

Also, the odds on Down Rose Gemma Murphy have plummeted. The social worker was 10/1 but, due to recent support from Northern punters, she is now the 7/1 second favourite.

The Carlow, Tipperary and German Roses are in contention and are all available at 8/1.

“The local Rose is always popular in Tralee and if she is handed the crown, the bookies will be licking their wounds,” commented Boylesports spokeswoman Nicola McGeady.

Details of this year’s Rose festival were yesterday announced by chairman Anthony O’Gara who described the event as a “cornucopia of carnival, fun, gala events, exciting concerts, free street entertainment, fun fare, fireworks, circus and a rousing welcome from the people of Tralee”.

One of the highlights will again be the Irish Examiner Autumn Winter Fashion Show in association with Victoria Jackson Make-up, in the festival dome, on Sunday, August 22.

The Rose selection programme will be televised on August 23-24 by RTÉ, with Daithí Ó Se as compere.

The TG4 presenter, who hails from the Dingle Peninsula, will be performing the task for the first time.

The new Rose will be announced on August 24 and will be crowned with a traditional tiara. She will also receive a car for a year and a prize worth €25,000 from the Pilot Training College.