It's all kicking off in Kerry as festivities are getting underway ahead of the 2025 Rose of Tralee competition. Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas have arrived at the location and are gearing up to crown this year's lovely lady.
The Roses are likely bubbling with excitement as all 32 of them have gathered in the town ahead of the televised contest, with the whole country waiting to see who will be crowned this year's winner.
As the 65th Rose of Tralee International Festival, here is everything to know about the five-day event...
When is it on?
The 2025 Rose of Tralee has already begun. Festivities kicked off on August 15 and will continue right through until August 19.
Where to watch?
The event is set to air on set to air on RTÉ One. The live selection nights are airing on Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19. They will be live broadcast on the channel from 8.00pm until around 11.25 pm, taking a break for the 9.00pm News.
For those on the go or watching from abroad, the event will also be available for streaming live and on demand via RTÉ Player.
Who is hosting?
Of course, it wouldn't be The Rose of Tralee without Dáithí Ó Sé at the forefront, and the Kerryman is back to host this year's festivities.
He will be joined by another familiar face, as Kathryn Thomas will return as co-host following her first full year in the role in 2024.
Who is judging?
All eyes will be on this year's judging panel, or at least on one of the judges' ring fingers, as Ryan Tubridy's fiancée, 2010 Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu, is set to return as a judge.
Clare will likely be wearing the sparkler that Ryan popped the question with as she assumes her duties in Kerry.
Meanwhile, she will be joined by RTÉ weather presenter Nuala Carey, world-renowned fashion designer, and, more importantly, proud Kerryman, Don O’Neill, and Aisling Murphy, who will represent Murphy’s New Homes.
Favourites to win
While it is too early to tell which lovely ladies will be the ones to steal the judges' hearts, people are already backing their favourites to take home the crown.
Bookies have picked the Cork Rose, Nancy Lehane, as the favourite to take home the sash at this year’s Rose of Tralee. Nancy has emerged as the favourite to be crowned this year, according to Boylesports.
The 22-year-old has a passion for singing and is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, piano, concertina and tin whistle, a musical ability that she shares with the wider community as she teaches and plays regularly at local events.
Coming up just behind her is UAE Rose Celiene O'Meara, with Kerry’s own Laura Daly currently the third favourite to win.
