THE Rose of Tralee and Kerry Rose were in town at the weekend to help launch the search for the Mary Hickey’s successor.

There has been a lot of interest already in the Kerry Rose but organisers are putting the call out to young ladies to enter the competition.

Applications are now being taken online via the Rose of Tralee website (www.roseoftralee.ie)

Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh and Kerry Rose, Mary Hickey have just returned from a humanitarian trip to Vesnova Children’s Orphanage in Belarus with Chernobyl Children International.

Mary has had a busy time so far in her year as Kerry Rose, regularly being asked to attend events in the Kingdom.

“It’s been an incredible jam packed year full of amazing adventures! Highlights are making beautiful friendships, my trip to Belarus with Chernobyl Children International, and getting the opportunity to become involved with other wonderful charities such as the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation and the Kerry/Cork Health Bus,” said Mary.

We’ll also see Mary parading through the town again this year as she has the honour of being Grand Marshall at this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee.

The 2015 Kerry Rose Selection takes place at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Saturday, May 9. The event will be hosted by RTE Rose TV host and Kerry native Dáithí Ó Sé and tickets are available from the Rose of Tralee Festival office in Denny Street, Tralee.