Back on the box for the first time since covid caused the last two contests to be cancelled, the 2022 Rose of Tralee proved as successful as ever and produced many memorable moments.
With 33 fantastic contestants from across the globe and host Dáithí Ó Sé looking dapper in a white dinner jacket, it added up to two nights of glam, music, charm and plenty of craic.
There were even a few tears when Queensland Rose Eimear Naughtan's other half appeared on video to wish her love and all the best. Yes, they were two nights to remember on many levels.
Here - in no particular order of preference - are our Top 10 favourite moments from this year's event in the Munster Technological University's Kerry Sports Academy. There could've been another 20, at least.
The Ice Bath
Dáithí Ó Sé got himself into some cold - very cold - water on Monday night's Rose of Tralee when he whipped off his Velcro trousers and took the plunge into a barrel of ice in the name of edutainment.
Dáithí was taking part in a demo of the Wim Hof Method by Kildare Rose Aisleigh Byrne about how immersing in ice can address a number of medical conditions and it was the first of many stunts from the action man host.
The #RoseofTralee is always full of surprises pic.twitter.com/uxatsXo0x7
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 22, 2022
Daniel O'Donnell Delivers
Tipperary Rose Aisling O'Donovan confessed that she's a huge fan of Daniel O’Donnell (and why not?) and she got a nice surprise at the start of the show when she was sent good wishes via a video recording from the man himself.
Up Tipp from Uncle Danny to the Tipp Rose #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/Vy51UqNTeM
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 22, 2022
The Light Saber Fight
It is Kerry, the new home of Star Wars, so Florida Rose Jennifer Rose Waldeck challenged Dáithí to a lightsaber duel - then she was escorted offstage by an Imperial stormtrooper.
Icebaths, falcons and now @Disney product designer Florida Rose duelling Daithi with lightsabers, will will our Roses do to him next ? pic.twitter.com/pk4DYTtsrE
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 22, 2022
Dáithí's Bodybuilding Poses
Later in the opening evening, Dáithí proved - once again - that he can turn his hand to anything when he struck some bodybuilding poses alongside Wexford Rose Joy Quigley.
Does @daithi_ose have a chance at one of the Wexford Rose's bodybuilding competitions ? #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/9FqobIAiWB
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 22, 2022
Derry Rose does Derry Girls
The final night got off to a great start when Derry Rose Aine Morrison showed her musical chops on the piano - and also got a great cheer with an impression of Clare from Derry Girls.
On top of that, the Rose of Tralee gang went and did a photoshop job to superimpose her onto the famous Derry Girls mural in her native city.
Derry Girl Aine Morrison is first out as our Derry Rose #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/rpdbr3Y3Zd
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 23, 2022
Toronto Rose Talks Autism
Toronto Rose Maysen Tinkler has autism and talked about the impact it has had on her life. And influenced her to want to work in couples therapy when she completes college.
She told Dáithí: "Being on the autism spectrum . . . growing up I was really observing how other people communicate with each other, how we could better communicate. It's something I was really interested in."
She also played the drums!
Aerobic Irish Dancing
Dubai Rose Aileen McAlister's 'turn' was a unique Irish dancing aerobics lesson - and she got the entire audience to stand up and join in. Dáithí joined in too, though his timing was not quite as impressive as his enthusiasm.
Did you see the Dubai Rose teaching Daithi her Irish Dance Aerobics ? We may have jazzed up the music … pic.twitter.com/BoLateUm4M
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 23, 2022
The real fun began when they did a little Riverdance and James Patrice popped up in the middle of the audience doing his best Michael Flatley impression. Brave!
Dustin Makes Demands
A real charmer over the two nights was home-loving, harp-playing Rachel Woods from Monaghan. Though she ruffled a few feathers when she recalled working on the killing line in a turkey factory.
"I was pulling the hearts out of the turkeys," she told a stunned Dáithí. In response, he said, "Have a look at this" as Dustin the Turkey popped up to demand that every Rose from now on "has to be a vegetarian or a vegan".
Save the Turkeys ! @DustinOfficial makes a surprise appearance at the #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/UK3eyjTl4U
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 23, 2022
Sam Maguire Takes Centre Stage
The second night started with Dáithí expressing his love for the Sam Maguire Cup - which was won this year by the Kerry footballers. But that wasn't the last we saw of Sam.
I think we all know who Daithi wants to be this year's #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/YVdmVBqjHn
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 23, 2022
After Kerry Rose Edaein O'Connell had her chat and sang a song, Dáithí produced the much-loved trophy and held it aloft, with a helping hand from Edaein. "What a beautiful cup," Dáithí remarked. With maybe a little-bitty tear in his eye.
New Rose Crowned
Ultimately though, it was all about this year's winner. Three years in the making, the Rose of Tralee for 2022 was announced by Dáithí after he teased the contestants and called for a drum roll.
And the 2022 International #RoseofTralee is the Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy ! Congratulations pic.twitter.com/WExCXT1eEp
— Rose of Tralee (@RoseofTralee_) August 23, 2022
2019 winner Dr Sinead Flanagan - "The longest-serving Rose," as Dáithí described her - was on hand to pass on the crown to her successor, Westmeath Rose, Rachel Duffy.
Then Jimmy Buckley stepped on stage to sing The Rose of Tralee. And that was that. All over.
Here's to 2023!
