As the 56th Rose Of Tralee Festival kicks off Goss.ie take a look back at some of the most memorable moments over the years.

From surprise engagements to freestyle dancing and grand entrances to the dome, the Rose of Tralee has always had something to remember.

Daithí Ó Sé ensured Goss.ie that this year will be no exception as he has some surprises up his sleeve.

 

Break Dancing

 

Dublin Rose Siobheal Nic Eochaidh made 2011 a very memorable year in the dome in Tralee when she performed a break dance routine for her party piece.

The freestyle dance was a first for the festival and watching the young lady pull it off in her ball gown had everyone talking.

The brunette has been a regular feature on the media scene since and works as a freelance reporter now.

 

Engagement

 

In 2013 New Orleans Rose Molloy Gambel got the fright of her life when her boyfriend got on stage an went down on one knee.

At first, it seemed the American Rose was going to say no to her partner but live on national television she agreed.

The pair were back in the Dome last year but as husband and wife after marrying in Alabama.

 

Ice Bucket Challenge

 

Last year, the ice bucket challenge was taking over the world as everyone raised money for Motor Neurone Disease by throwing ice cold water over themselves.

Daithí Ó Sé being the good sport he is accepted the challenge and performed it live from the Rose of Tralee raising much needed funds for the worthy cause.

He recently told Goss.ie that he ruined the suit which took ages to dry out.

 

The Broom Dance

 

Each year at the Rose of Tralee we are treated a number of different dance routines and in 2013 the Leitrim Rose gave us another memorable one.

Edwina Guckian treated the audience to a very traditional barrel and broom dance as she swapped her dress for trousers and got on top of the barrel on stage.

She went from the barrel to the broom to complete her routine and had all the audience clapping in tandem to her.

 

True Love

Daithí was known as a bit a ladies man but in 2008 one American rose caught his eye and changed everything.

Rita Talty was the New Jersey Rose that year and it was after the festival wrapped that the pair reconnected on Facebook after Daithí poked her.

Daithí was filming in America following that time when they began meeting up and in 2012 they tied the knot and welcomed their first son in 2014.

 

Maria’s Sky Dive

 

Maria Walsh, the regning Rose of Tralee has most certainly made her mark at the festival and will always be one of the most memorable winners.

Not one to shy from a challenge, Maria decided to arrive in style to the Dome as she prepares to hand over her title.

The Irish-American documented the entire dive from start to finish as she also revealed that she’s bittersweet about handing over her title.