It’s not over until the last awkward poem has been recited nor the last reel tapped out on stage, but after the first night of the televised competition, there’s a new favourite for the Rose of Tralee 2014.
The first round of Roses took to the stage last night showcasing their talents and winning smiles, and it seems that the Cork and Carlow Roses, favourites going into the competition, have been overtaken by Abu Dhabi Rose Patrice McGillycuddy.
Patrice, wearing a dress by renowned designer Marion Murphy Cooney, shot up the betting after her interview and her take on The Cup Song, as made famous by Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect.
Bookmakers Boylesports cut McGillycuddy’s odds from 7/1 to 15/8 in the wake of her interview, making her the new favourite for the 2014 tiara.
There’s still time for Carlow Rose Miriam Smith to recover the top spot though, as she still has her interview to come on tonight’s broadcast. She’s now at 3/1, while Cork Rose Anna Geary is holding her own at 4/1.
The Cork and Carlow Roses are currently followed in the betting by the home darling, Kerry Rose Mary Hickey. Mary is currently at 7/1, followed by Dublin Rose Roisin Lyons at 8/1.
Of those who lasted until the bitter end last night, North Carolina Rose Nancy Boyce might be the dark horse. She’s been backed from 50/1 all the way to 14/1 after her scene-stealing turn as the last Rose on last night.
The fun starts again from 8pm tonight…
Outright Betting
Abu Dhabi Rose – Patrice McGillycuddy 15/8
Carlow Rose – Miriam Smith 3/1
Cork Rose – Anna Geary 4/1
Kerry Rose – Mary Hickey 11/2
Philadelphia Rose – Maria Walsh 6/1
Dublin Rose – Roisin Lyons 8/1
Leitrim Rose – Zara Healy 8/1
Laois Rose – Teresa Brennan 12/1
Galway Rose – Nicola Corcoran 12/1
North Carolina Rose – Nancy Boyce 14/1
Nottingham Rose – Claire Regan 16/1
Queensland Rose – Ashlinn O’Neil 16/1
Dubai Rose – Ailis Hughes 16/1
Western Canada Rose – Catharine Joyce 25/1
Clare Rose – Joanne O’Gorman 25/1
Manchester Rose- Mairead Hussey 25/1
Scotland Rose – Michelle Kelly 25/1
Toronto Rose – Katie Blundell 25/1
Boston & New England Rose – Michelle Prior 33/1
Donegal Rose – Tamara Payne 50/1
New Zealand Rose – Lisa Bazalo 50/1
Perth Rose – Sinead Lehane 50/1
Texas Rose – Cyndi Crowell 50/1
South Australia Rose – Sarah Harrington 66/1
Sydney Rose – Imelda Finnegan 80/1
Derby Rose- Aoife Broderick 80/1
Darwin Rose – Natalie Kelly 80/1
Kentucky Rose – Claire Curran 100/1
Washington DC Rose – Alison Wetterauw 100/1
Southern California Rose – Kathryn Anny Bergman 100/1
Arizona Rose – Sarah Hines 100/1
Luxembourg Rose – Niamh Bergin 100/1
