Rose of Tralee festival in full bloom as weekend events kick off in style at ball

The build-up to this year’s Rose of Tralee festivities was in full bloom last night at the annual event’s Rose Ball.

The main weekend of the popular competition, which has divided public opinion for 54 years, kicked off in style yesterday as the town welcomed this year’s contestants to the region.

Among those attending the star-studded gala were Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar; champion cyclist Sean Kelly; social campaigner Adi Roche; and US-based fashion designer Dan O’Neill.