Panel of judges: Tough call

WHILE there are no Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh or Cheryl Tweedy wannabes on the Rose of Tralee panel, the hopefuls competing for the coveted crown will still have a touch of X-Factor style nerves as they attempt to impress judges.

Over the next two nights, all 32 roses will be attempting to dance, sing, joke and, yes, even beg the public into supporting their bid for success.

The queen-makers of this year’s Rose of Tralee festival include Mary Kennedy, who has been a major name in Irish broadcasting since the mid-80s.