Rose of Tralee Selection Tonight: Contestant Line-Up

Tonight, The Rose of Tralee, a symbolic embodiment of Ireland’s cultural and diasporic ties, will crown its newest victor. Celebrating its sixty-fourth year, the competition draws international attention. Broadcasting live from the Kerry Sports Academy at the MTU, RTE One will present the event from 8 pm with a short hiatus at 9 for the Nine O’Clock news.

This year the competition holds thirty-two contestants from around the world, including the USA, Australia, Dubai, and Ireland. Following the eighteen that appeared on the first night, the final fourteen Roses will present to the public. Ladbrokes presently offers the best odds for the Melbourne Rose, Dervla Dolan, and the Yorkshire Rose, Clídna Bailey-Doyle, each at 5/2. The odds had reportedly favored Darcy Taylor, the Derry Rose. Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé’s partnership is dynamic and adds an excellent aspect to the presentation. These highlights only add to the sex appeal of the event. So why does it matter and why is it so popular?

What could easily be dismissed as an outdated beauty contest has long established itself as a fusion of Irish culture and charity. The contest incorporates stories and songs, offering fans of Ireland’s unique history of music and literature reasons for attendance, if not appreciation. More importantly though, the competition remains popular because it reflects Ireland’s cultural identity, particularly for those in the diaspora. By allowing each Rose an opportunity to present their story to the world over two nights, the event not only encourages but mandates people around the world tune in before a winner is crowned.

The contest reminds those of Irish heritage from around the world of their heritage. As the twenty-first century progresses and modern culture’s transnationalism becomes the norm, one can expect the event to not only celebrate what is Irish, but what modern Ireland will become. The contest will continue to be reinvigorated by and remain relevant to cultures around the world as they evolve. Not just a competition, it is a celebration of cultural identity between Ireland and the rest of the world.