Rose of Tralee day one draws to a close

The first contestants in this year's Rose of Tralee contest have been put through their paces for their live TV performances.

18 Roses have appeared on stage at the Festival Dome tonight, with the remainder doing their interviews and party pieces tomorrow night.

Kentucky Rose Emily Hughes says there is plenty more to the Rose of Tralee than the TV appearance.

"It's not even 10% of it, the real experience is all the places that we travel, all the people that we see, all the memories we make and all the friends that we make, that's the real part of it. TV night is just for show," said Ms Hughes.

Kery Rose Julett Culloty pictured on stage with Daithi O'Se during the Live Rose of Tralee TV show held in the dome . Photo By : Domnick Walsh