The Rose of Tralee is a nineteenth century Irish ballad that recounts the story of a woman called Mary, who because of her beauty was called 'The Rose of Tralee'. One of the earliest recorded roses was Mary Pauline O'Connor in 1893, who married Danial D. Sheehan, later MP. for mid-Cork.

An international competition called The Rose of Tralee is now held every year in Tralee, County Kerry, to find a woman who is crowned that year's rose. Irish emigrant communities from around the world and all Irish counties and some towns select a young woman called a rose to represent them at the contest. The contest, which is broadcasted over two nights annually by Radio Telifís Éireann, is presented by Ryan Tubridy. It was previously presented for over twenty years by Gay Byrne. Other previous presenters include Marty Whelan and Derek Davis .

External link

• Official site - Rose of Tralee