The Rose of Tralee final is tonight - will the title return to Tipperary?

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is back this week, with the first group of Roses having already appeared last night live from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU and on television screens on RTÉ One.

Tipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy from Clonmel will appear with the second batch of contestants on Tuesday night. Fiona is a Home Economics and Religion teacher at Patrician Presentation Secondary School in Fethard and is proudly flying the flag for the Premier County.

Could it be Tipperary’s year once again?

We had a great run with 2024’s Tipperary Rose, Tara Brady from Ballina, who was a favourite for the title at several points during the competition but ultimately missed out.

The last Tipperary Rose to be crowned was Portroe’s Aoife Kelly, who took the title in 2008.

The Rose Selection programme will air on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, from 8pm, with a break for the Nine O’Clock News before resuming at 9.35pm. The programme will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

It will also be available to watch for free, live and on demand, on RTÉ Player for audiences in Ireland and around the world.

Appearing alongside Fiona on Tuesday night will be Roses from:

Carolina; Galway; Kerry; Kilkenny; Louth; New York; Roscommon; San Francisco; Sligo; Toronto; UAE; Waterford; Wicklow.