Business up as visitors arrive in town for the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
The 55th Rose of Tralee pagent is in full swing as thousands of visitors descend on the County Kerry town. In Tralee there is no doubting the economic impact of the Rose of Tralee International Festival on the area. Festival organisers say the event brings about 7 million euro into the local economy, a welcome boost to an area that has suffered badly during the recession.
Jimmy Allen of De Roiste Artisan Meats is delighted to find people have money to spend at his food stall.
Things are going well thanks be to God.
The closure of the famous hostelry Kirby's Brogue Inn on Rock Street in 2013 shocked the town. But it has reopened and is busy welcoming Roses. Despite the economic downturn, co-owner of the Brogue Inn Fiona Kirby-Cotter sees potential in both the town and people of Tralee
We hope to continue for many years to come.
Chief Executive of the Rose of Tralee Festival Anthony O'Gara knows that from an economic point of view, the week is hugely important for Tralee.
It brings a great boost to the town and to the people of the town annually.
He also finds that the annual pageant with participants from around the world,
Has never diminished and is as fresh as good as ever it was.
Of course, the festival is more than economics, the main event is the selection of the 2014 Rose of Tralee from the 32 candidates.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 August 2014. The reporter is Geraldine Harney.
The 2014 international finals of the competition were broadcast live by RTÉ One television on 18 – 19 August. The Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh was crowned The Rose of Tralee.
