Kerry Laura on how the Roses stay Fresh

Organisers have ladies' best interests at heart

- BY SANDRA MALLON Showbiz Editor

THE Kerry Rose of Tralee has opened up about the festival's strict rules to "safeguard" young women.

Laura Daly, from Ballymacelligott, is hoping to take the crown back to the Kingdom.

But the 23-year-old has revealed what goes on behind the scenes to keep all 32 Roses looking so fresh for the festival, which will be hosted by Kathryn Thomas and Daithi O Se.

She told us: "There's a mixture of things. But you know what they're put in place in a sense that keeps us safe, keeps us well, keeps us going, because it is a very long process.

"People are tired. You're being pulled for pictures, you're being pulled for interviews. You're with the girls.