Families and friends fly in to support Rose of Tralee contestants

A Nasa researcher, an attorney in Chicago, and a radiologist at the National Children’s Hospital Temple Street are among this year's contestants 

New York Rose Billie Cooper's proud parents Thérèse Teevan and Pat Cooper at the Rose of Tralee base at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Picture: Neil Michael.

A researcher with Nasa, an attorney working in downtown Chicago, and a radiologist at the National Children’s Hospital Temple Street are among this year’s Rose of Tralee contestants.

All 32 roses aged between 20 and 29 will compete for the coveted Rose of Tralee title in two selection nights to be televised live on RTÉ.