Thousands of people all over the world will be able to watch this year's Rose of Tralee contest from Co Kerry live on the Internet, it was confirmed today.
Around 30 contestants will be taking part in the Rose of Tralee festival which takes place in the town next Monday and Tuesday.
Roses have travelled from afar to take part in the competition including Darwin, Dubai, Perth, New Orleans, New York, New Zealand, Philadelphia and Queensland.
Presenter Ray D'Arcy will be hosting the event and interviewing the girls over the two evenings, with the judges making the final decision on who will be the 2006 Rose of Tralee.
Organisers confirmed www.rte.ie will be streaming the coverage of the event live on the internet over the two nights.
Fans and supporters abroad will be able to log on to watch the programme, which attracted a television audience in Ireland of over a million people last year.
A webchat with the winning Rose will take place on Wednesday, August 23rd, on the site.
The website includes information about the festival participants, with individual profiles on each Rose, escort, presenter and judges.
The festival grew from the tradition of Tralee's Carnival Queen, and is also based on celebration of the 19th century Rose of Tralee love song.