So many Roses, so much magic on show. The opening night of this year's Rose of Tralee was another cracking mix of colour, craic, ceoil and spectacle. Here are some of the opening night's highlights.
We all know that you can't beat a good start - and that goes for TV shows, especially a live spectacular such as The Rose of Tralee.
The 2025 edition of this much-loved, inter-continental collection of cailíní certainly had an opening to remember.
There's no place like Dome
The start of the show was a sparkling delight as the entire Tralee Dome was darkened and filled with shimmering starlights, both on stage and throughout the audience.
It was like a Coldplay gig!
"We'll have loads of music, loads of craic," said Kathryn Thomas, dressed in a beautiful pale lavender dress, as she and Dáithí Ó Sé walked up through the audience before introducing this year's Roses.
Before the first Rose appeared on stage, Carl Mullen was welcomed in his new role as Rose of Tralee MC. Putting his new gig in context, he recalled: "Nine years ago I was a Rose of Tralee escort!"
James Patrice then popped up with his own sparkling jacket. It's going to be one glittery night!
Goody Four Shoes
First up, Meath Rose Ella Bannon kept the good vibes going. The 20-year-old was wearing a beautiful teal dress, and a winning smile.
Then she looked into crowd and her jaw dropped.
"Oh, my banner!" she said - after spotting her family in the audience - as Kathryn welcomed her on the stage. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," she said, when asked about participating in The Rose of Tralee.
But then we had the first of the night's 'moments'.
Before Ella performed some Irish dancing she revealed that she had come on stage with heels over her dancing shoes. Now there's dedication!
The bottom of her dress had to come off - with some help from Kathryn - and then she floated around the stage with an impressive display of dancing. The Roses are up and running!
The Kiwi from Kilchreest
New Zealand Rose Ciara Jo came onto the Dome stage in a jaw-dropping dress.
Originally from the small village of Kilchreest in Co Galway, she now calls the beautiful capital city of Wellington, New Zealand, her home.
Reflecting her Kiwi side, she wore a magnificent Maori-influenced black, sparling cloak.
When asked about her decision to swap Ireland for the other side of the world, she explained that she wanted to travel and "In terms of culture and language, New Zealand was a perfect fit."
Ciara then performed a haunting and quite superb version of She Moves Through the Fair.
This Rose is an early contender for the overall winner.
Two-dog Yoga Class
Wearing a black, strapless dress, Carlow Rose Kate Ryan looked anything but a yoga teacher as she came on stage at the Dome - but that's just one of the strings on her bow.
She also recalled in conversation with Kathryn that she carried on teaching in a cast after breaking her ankle. This is one determined lady!
In what must be a first for the Rose of Tralee, the 26-year-old's party piece was to have a mini yoga class. Right there, on stage at the Dome.
Dáithí brought two dogs brought on stage - Katie has dog-friendly yoga sessions - and then Katie got Kathryn and Dáithí to perform what can only be described as doggie yoga.
Now that was definitely the first bizarre moment of the night.
Clóideach's on the ball
Tyrone Rose Clóideach Donaghy proved to be the sporty Rose on the opening night.
Wearing a sky blue dress with feathers, PE teacher Clóideach gave a great, uplifting speech about feeling good about yourself and got a big round of applause from the audience before doing her party piece.
It involved an oval ball and a bunch of lads.
A bunch of escorts - including her own escort Joe - came up on stage with a rugby ball.
Making a rugby lineout, the ball was thrown in and Clóideach was lifted up to make a perfect catch.
Only at the Rose of Tralee would you see such a thing.
Nancy is a Knockout
Wearing a pink, off the shoulder dress, with roses on the bodice, Cork Rose Nancy Lehane looked every part a princess as she joined Kathryn on the Dome stage.
From Meelin, the highest village in Ireland, Nancy is training to be a teacher, having recently completed her degree in Primary School Teaching. But music is a big thing in her life.
In what was the most apt - and compelling - performance on the night, Nancy chose to sing a little-known local song called The Village on the Hill.
Despite the tune being unfamiliar, she held the audience captive with a stirring performance, accompanying herself on guitar.
Afterwards, she got a rousing round of applause from the audience, while a smiling Dáithí described her performance as "brilliant".
Dublin Dreams
Dressed in Dublin sky blue, Edel Cronin represents the capital and described herself as "someone who thrives on chaos - that's why I'm here!"
Currently doing a Barrister-at-Law degree at the Honourable King's Inns, naturally Kathryn wanted to see her donning a black judicial robe.
Taking the bait, Edel then urged the audience to "All rise" and they responded in kind.
Her real party piece was performing Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, and she had the audience clapping along to the famous tune.
How will she be judged on her performance and personality?
Tuesday night at 11.30pm will tell a tale.
Mellow Yellow
Wearing a stunning bright yellow dress, with a big bow at the back, Down Rose Anna Mulholland brought the Rose of Tralee opening night to a colourful close.
A big sports fan - she plays camogie, Gaelic football, and netball for her club - she has taken a year off her various activities but "can't wait" to get back involved.
She came into the Rose of Tralee "with zero expectations" but the 21-year-old but certainly won over the crowd with a version of The Black Velvet Band that had everyone up off their seats and clapping along.
Tune in to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm on Tuesday to meet the remaining 14 Roses and find out who is crowned the 2025 International Rose of Tralee.
