Daithi meets Roses at Dublin Airport

Daithi's brand new beard was the talking point of the day at the photocall for this year's Rose of Tralee Festival which starts this Monday in The Kingdom.

It was supposed to be a chance for the Roses to get to know each other, but apparently the presenter's facial hair was the hot topic of conversation.
Apparently some of the ladies loved his new rugged look, while others pleaded with the Kerry native to shave the new beard off there and then.

It was also revealed today that, fourteen years after Westlife played at the Festival, the band’s former front-man, Shane Filan, will make his solo debut on RTÉ television during the Rose of Tralee live broadcast on the 20th of August.
Speaking about his upcoming performance, Shane said: "I'm so excited about my first live solo performance at The Rose of Tralee, and coming home to Ireland makes it all the more special."

Roses roll call - who will you be supporting?
And in other Rose news, this year online audiences will be able to view exclusive live footage backstage from the Rose of Tralee festival when the show takes a break for the news break at 9pm. Presented by Colm Flynn, the Red Room will take a sneak peek behind the scenes of all the glamour and personalities.
RTÉ Television will broadcast the International Rose of Tralee Selection live from the Festival Dome from 8pm on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August on RTÉ One.