Down Rose Backed for Rose Of Tralee crown

The waiting game is over for 16 of this year’s Rose of Tralee contestants who last night found out they had made it through to the live TV stage of the competition on Monday and Tuesday nights.

The names of the 16 finalists were announced at an event in The Dome last night, hosted by RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey.

Our early favourites Sydney Rose Aisling Walsh (3/1), Dublin Rose Maria Coughlan (3/1) and San Francisco Rose Amanda Donohue (5/1) all sailed through to the final round and are holding firm.

Punters have also began rallying behind Down Rose Orlagh McNally.

The 23 year-old newly qualified doctor quickly shortened to 10/1 from 18/1 following a flurry of bets.

The girls will join contestants from Fermanagh, Florida, Galway, Germany, Hong Kong, Kildare, Limerick, Offaly, South Carolina, Texas, Toronto and Yorkshire on Monday night’s show.

A total of 32 Roses will ultimately qualify for the televised stage with the names of another 16 Roses set to be announced at a private breakfast on Saturday.

*Prices correct at time of publication.