Derry Rose Darcy Taylor
The competition will be broadcast next Monday and Tuesday, and Darcy Taylor, a producer at BBC Radio Foyle, hailing from Bellaghy in Derry, is current favourite to win the competition at 3/1.
Kerry Rose, Emer Dineen, is a narrow second favourite at 4/1. Dineen is a paediatric radiographer from Castlegregory in Kerry. She is also a part-time lifeguard and Gaelgeoir.
Third favourite to take the crown is Donegal Rose, Niamh Shevlin at 6/1. Niamh has travelled the world Irish dancing with Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’ and also with her twin brother, performing as ‘The Shevlin Twins’.
Tipperary Rose, Tara Brady is at 7/1. The 23 year old from Ballina has a keen interest in Irish history and oral history.
She has also taken part in the World Irish Dancing Championship and is part of an Irish traditional music group called Cailiní Lua.
Waterford Rose, Abby Walsh, is a primary school teacher in a Gaelscoil.
She is passionate about the Irish language and Irish dancing. She is currently fifth in the betting at 8/1.
Also among the favourites are North Carolina Rose, Kathryn Wright, a program manager for global education whose grandmother was from Galway (10/1), Sligo Rose, Megan McCormack, a substitute Primary school teacher and keen footballer (10/1), Cork Rose, Shauna O’Sullivan, a pharmacist from Araglen (12/1) and Yorkshire Rose, Clidna Bailey-Doyle, a wedding co-ordinator with Wexford heritage (12/1).
The festival finishes on August 20th.
Commenting, Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “The punters are backing the Derry Rose to win this year’s competition, but the Kerry Rose has also seen a flurry of support come her way.
“We’re in for a treat over the weekend with Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas hosting the annual showpiece.”
***Ladbrokes latest betting
To be crowned the Rose of Tralee 2024:
Derry Rose, Darcy Taylor – 3/1
Kerry Rose, Emer Dineen – 4/1
Donegal Rose, Niamh Shevlin – 6/1
Tipperary Rose, Tara Brady – 7/1
Waterford Rose, Abby Walsh – 8/1
Sligo Rose, Megan McCormack – 10/1
North Carolina Rose, Kathryn Wright – 10/1
Cork Rose, Shauna O’Sullivan – 12/1
Yorkshire Rose, Clidna Bailey-Doyle – 12/1
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