TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival is brought to you by AIB Tralee…
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The Rose of Tralee 2016, Maggie McEldowney on stage on . Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE 58th Rose of Tralee, Maggie McEldowney, carried out her first duty as new rose when announcing fireworks to commence at Midnight Madness.
The Chicago Rose was the last to take the stage in front of a rapturous crowd on Denny Street under a clear night sky, so no rain for a change!
While waiting for the newly-crowned Rose to take the stage, her fellow Roses and escorts easily filled the time dancing and singing themselves all the way down to Ashe Memorial Hall.
At times, the Roses and escorts sounded more like a football crowd on their way to a stadium than a hundred or so people dressed to the nines on a Tuesday night in Tralee.
When the final float did arrive, Maggie was treated to a guard of honour up onto the stage where Irish Country Music superstar, Nathan Carter, was waiting to serenade her with that old familiar song.
It was then up to Maggie to signal the beginning of Midnight Madness and sadly an end to another Rose of Tralee festival. Scroll down for photos…
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Nathan Carter serenades ‘The Rose of Tralee’ to new Rose, Maggie McEldowney. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Rose of Tralee , Maggie McEldowney, in front of the Ashe Memorial Hall with Midnight Madness in full flight. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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The Rose of Tralee 2016, Maggie McEldowney, about to step on the stage on Denny Street. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Roses making their way down Denny Street for Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Roses making their way down Denny Street for Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The Rose of Tralee 2016, Maggie McEldowney, makes her triumphant way down Denny Street.
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Roses making their way down Denny Street for Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Roses making their way down Denny Street for Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Members of the Chicago Rose of Tralee delegation enjoying the win. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Spectators enjoying Midnight Madness. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
