7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kerry Rose backed to do a famous double for the Kingdom
Kerry Rose Laura Daly is being backed at the bookies to complete a famous double for the Kingdom when the Rose of Tralee festivities kick off this weekend.
With Sam Maguire silverware already in the trophy cabinet after the county's footballers triumphed over Donegal in the All-Ireland Final, there could be plenty more to celebrate when this year's winner dons the famous sash next Tuesday. Laura has been clipped into 5/1 from 7/1 by BOYLE Sports just days before the annual festival takes centre stage, as the 23 year-old dancer bids to become the first Kerry native to secure a local victory in the competition since Margaret O'Keeffe in 1964.
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BOYLE Sports, said: 'Kerry is already basking in the glow of Sam Maguire's return and now all eyes are on the Kerry Rose to see if she can complete a famous double. A Rose of Tralee crown on top of an All-Ireland title would be the stuff of county folklore and punters clearly fancy the fairytale to come true.'
The latest betting means she is now second favourite, but the odds suggest some hot competition from a neighbouring county, as Cork's Nancy Lehane has been singled out as the bookies' frontrunner. The Meelin girl has a passion for singing and also adds the piano, guitar, concertina and tin whistle to an impressive array of musical talents.
With winners representing New York and New Zealand over the past two years, another international victor could also be on the cards with UAE Rose Ceiline O'Meara (5/1) also well fancied. Ceiline, who packed her beloved harp when she moved to the Middle East from her native county of Limerick, is a former All-Ireland Fleadh Champion who has performed to Emirati royalty at the Dubai World Cup.
Tyrone Rose Clóideach Donagh, Boston and New England Rose Maeve Kelly, Kerry Rose Laura Daly, Texas Rose Sara Costa, Carlow Rose Katie Ryan, Down Rose Anna Mulholland, Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins and Meath Rose Ella Bannon. 1 of 8
Carlow Rose Katie Ryan, Down Rose Anna Mulholland, Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins and Cork Rose Nancy Lehane. 2 of 8
London Rose Shauna Sammon, Boston and New England Rose Maeve Kelly and Texas Rose Sara Costa. 3 of 8
London Rose Shauna Sammon, Boston and New England Rose Maeve Kelly and Texas Rose Sara Costa. 4 of 8
