The Rose of Tralee

The Role 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'.

An international competition called The Rose of Tralee is now held every year in Tralee 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.