The Fermanagh heat of the Rose of Tralee gets underway this weekend at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell.

The event organised by Catriona McGorman will see 14 young women from across the county participate for the coveted title and a progression to the Irish regional finals in Limerick.

A total of 500 tickets have been sold for the gala function on Sunday night, but the competitors along with the judging panel have a much longer day in store ahead of the big event.

"The girls will be in the hotel that morning from 9.30am," Catriona explains. "Single interviews start at 10.00 so each girl will have their interview before breaking for lunch. After lunch the girls will take part in group discussions, so the group will be spilt into two, and they will be given random topics to discuss. This is just to see that each of the girls has the confidence to speak out in a group. After group discussions and rehearsals, Denise Gilmore will then pamper the girls by doing their hair and make-up for the evening. Escorts arrive at 5.30pm so then they can rehearse. Aisling Rehill, last year's Fermanagh Rose will arrive to speak to the girls and calm any last minute nerves."

This year's competitors include Keri Wilson, Sarah Fawcett, Laura McNally, Samantha Moss, Patricia Melanphy, Bronagh Maguire, Sinead McDonnell, Anne Marie Foster, Sheila Cassidy, Eimear Mullally, Eileen McMahon, Gemma McConnell, Michelle Little and Marie Wray.

Catriona is looking forward to the event.

"We have over 500 attending the night, which is great," Catriona explained.

"It allows us to give the girls the night they deserve. This year has already been a success with the roses already keeping in contact with one another and arranging nights out together, to me this is what it's all about. "The roses have built friendships and become part of an organisation through the Fermanagh Rose. So I know that whoever is selected as the Fermanagh Rose will have the full support of the other 13 roses."

And as for what is expected, Catriona suggests personality will shine through.

"All that is really expected is that the winner is a genuinely nice girl, someone that will work well as an ambassador for our county."