TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival is brought to you by AIB Tralee…
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Rosebuds Erin Lynch and Mary Kate O’Shea with Marina Burke at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Rose of Tralee festival is officially underway and the fine weather just about held to make it an enjoyable Friday afternoon in town.
The Town Park hosted some great family entertainment, while the market stalls on Denny Street and The Mall created a buzz in the town centre as people sampled the atmosphere.
The Square was the location for a special reception put on by Kerry County Council’s Tralee Municipal District from 3.30pm as the Roses and their Escorts — along with the Rosebuds — received a rapturous welcome to the town.
Speakers included Mayor Mikey Sheehy and Minister for Education Norma Foley who both welcomed the contestants and visitors for what should be a fantastic week for all. Scroll down for photos…
Kildare Rose Ashleigh Byrne, Kerry Rose Édaein O’Connell and Galway Rose Clare Ann Irwin at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The Roses and the crowd assembled at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Simon, Melanie, Joshua and Jacob Cruise enjoying the family entertainment in the Town Park on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Rosebud Sarah McInaw with her family in the Town Park on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cllr Jim Finucane with the 1971 Rose of Tralee Linda McCravy, Anthony O’Gara, Oonagh O’Gara and Suzan O’Gara at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The Roses arriving at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kildare Rose Ashleigh Byrne, Kerry Rose Édaein O’Connell and Galway Rose Clare Ann Irwin at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Henry Healy escorts Rose of Tralee Sinead Flanagan to the stage at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sligo Rose Eimear Mulvey and Roscommon Rose Bernie Ryan at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy with Rose of Tralee Sinead Flanagan at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minister For Education Norma Foley at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cavan Rose Tara Rogers and Arizona Rose Sophie Owen at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Chief Executive of the Rose of Tralee International Festival Anthony O’Gara at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Alan Teahan singing the Rose of Tralee at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Roses at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cork Rose Jenny Byrne at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Philadelphia Rose Tara Ryan at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Texas Rose Arden Stringer at the Kerry County Council Tralee MD reception at The Square on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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