Deserved winner: Rose of Tralee

The Rose of Tralee jamboree is a bit like the Eurovision Song Contest — derided by many as an outmoded, tiresome, irrelevant and laughable spectacle but it remains an entertaining annual TV extravaganza that few viewers would miss.

Notwithstanding its slowness in reflecting the realities of modern Ireland, recent contests have shown it is beginning to shed its Father Ted-like “lovely girl competition” image.