All 28 roses were present and correct yesterday as two Garda outriders pointed them on their way out of Dublin for the 46th international Rose of Tralee festival.
After a lengthy stop at Newbridge Silverware, the chief sponsor of the festival, it was off to Portumna, Co Galway, via Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and Birr Co Offaly.
Before crossing the bridge at Portumna where they were greeted as guests of East Galway Tourism, gardaí boarded the rose coach to check passports and permits to the west, as well as demanding a song from the willing roses before allowing them into the west.
For the first time, the three arms of the Defence Forces will be represented among the 28 escorts who will meet the roses immediately before the Rose Ball in Tralee on Friday night.
The decision to take a circuitous route to the west is part of a wider policy by the new Rose company to involve other counties besides Kerry and to see that they benefit from business as well as social links with international centres.
Managing director Mr Anthony O'Gara said the strategy over the next number of years will be to involve "a significant number" of new rose centres at home and abroad.
"This year we have begun that expansion by inviting 14 new centres in Ireland to participate in the inaugural regional Irish final," Mr O'Gara said. The network of international centres will be expanded in the autumn.
For one rose, yesterday was more than the start of a week long whirlwind. Waterford Rose Lisa Kavanagh (18) from Faithlegg got her Leaving Cert results.
Ms Kavanagh, an accomplished pianist and a part-time model, got exactly what she wanted - "enough points" for a business studies degree at Waterford Institute of Technology.
Yesterday was a special day too for Victoria Barry, the Kildare Rose, who celebrated her 19th birthday.
Today the roses will visit Bal- linasloe, Dartfield Horse World, Galway City, Eyre Square and Kinvara as well as Coole Park and will take a cruise on the Shannon.
The rose selection will take place live on RTÉ 1 with host Ryan Tubridy over Monday and Tuesday nights after which the 2004 Rose of Tralee will be announced. Beforehand, there will be five packed days which will include a street carnival, a French market on Friday, an Army and Air Corps display on Saturday, as well as funfairs and dancing.