Maria Walsh takes home the crown
Not only is she super cool and stylish and a star in her own right, but last year's winner Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh made Rose history as the first openly gay Rose. She may not have got US president Barack Obama to be her escort to the event, but she certainly won over the nation with her charm and beaming smile.
Dáithí Ó Sé reaches new heights
Rose of Tralee presenter Dáithí Ó Sé set out to prove that walking in heels is easy, rocking a towering pair of pink and black stillettos on stage. "I got these off Ann Doyle," he joked as he strutted his stuff, even doing a little kick to show off for the audience.
Dublin Rose busts out some hip hop moves
Most Roses go for Irish dancing as their dance of choice, in keeping with the festival's celebration of our national culture and heritage. This was not the case for 2011 Dublin Rose Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, who performed a sassy hip hop dance along to LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem. Check out those craaaazy moves!
Dáithí Ó Sé's Ice Bucket Challenge
Last year, many Irish people took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge in order to promote awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease and raise funds for sufferers. Having been nominated by his mother-in-law, Dáithí Ó Sé had two buckets of ice water dumped over his head - while in full evening wear.
THAT proposal
When New Orleans Rose Molly Molloy Gambel got up on stage at the 2013 festival, the last thing she expected was for her boyfriend Kyle to propose to her. Despite clearly being shock and saying the word "no" eleven times when she saw Kyle getting down on one knee, Molly eventually managed to compose herself and agree to marry him. Phew!
Dáithí line dancing to Cotton Eye Joe
In 2012, Texas Rose Kelly Gaetano wowed the audience when she revealed funky cowboy boots under her luxurious dress and busted out some line-dancing steps - even roping Dáithí in.
Dublin Rose does LMFAO dance with Derek from Crystal Swing
Dublin Rose Siobheal Nic Eochaidh returned to our screens to perform her infamous hip hop dance alongside Derek Burke from country and Western group Crystal Swing, who taught her his trademark "Hucklebuck" move. Be careful, you cannot unsee this afterwards!
It's time to go Bananas!
2011 Sunderland Rose Niamh O'Connell, who claimed that she was "very untalented", decided to teach the other Roses and Dáithí a banana-themed dance. It was eh...interesting, to say the least.
Anyone hear a Dolphin?
Kilkenny’s Aoibhin Murphy did a surprisingly spot-on impression of a dolphin at the 2012 festival. Close your eyes and picture swimming out in Dingle bay.
Dáithí Ó Sé's beard divides the nation
Dáithí is sporting a more rugged look this year, but apparently not everyone is a fan. "When I put the image up on Facebook I got 14,000 hits and most people said no. I don't know whether I'll keep it for the Rose [of Tralee] or not. But I kind of like it and Rita (wife, former New Jersey Rose, Rita Talty) likes it too," he told the RTÉ Guide. Divisive as the beard may be, he seems to be sticking with it for the moment.
