Time is running out for those wishing to represent Killarney and the county in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival.

The Kerry Rose Centre has confirmed that the final deadline for applications is fast approaching, with entries set to close this Easter Monday, April 6.

The 2026 Kerry Rose Selection night will take place at the Heights Hotel Killarney on Saturday, April 18.

The event will see entrants from across the county vie for the opportunity to succeed the outgoing Kerry Rose, Laura Ní Dhálaigh, and represent the Kingdom at the festival in August.

Several Killarney contestants have already been confirmed for the selection night. These include Laura Whelton, representing the Killarney Regatta; Megan Graham, representing the O’Donoghue Ring Collection; and Carlise Caffrey, representing MacBee’s.

Suzan, the Kerry Rose Centre Coordinator, is encouraging anyone interested in taking part to get their applications in over the holiday weekend. The selection process offers local women a chance to represent their communities and potentially take to the international stage in the Dome.

Prospective entrants or businesses interested in sponsoring a candidate can also contact Suzan at kerryrosecentre@roseoftralee.ie to receive more information or an application form before the Monday night deadline.

The Jeremiah ‘Skip’ Buckley Memorial Tournament returns to the Presentation Gym in Killarney on Saturday, (April 4), set to deliver a full day of basketball and community spirit from 9am through to the evening.

Now a key date in the local sporting calendar, the tournament honours Skip Buckley’s contribution to basketball in Killarney and beyond.

His influence continues through the St Paul’s Mothers & Others group, whose commitment keeps the event growing year on year.

Proceedings begin with group stages at 9am, with teams competing for places in both cup and plate competitions.

The finals are scheduled for 4pm and 4:30pm, closing out what is expected to be a competitive and enjoyable day.

A strong line-up of nine teams will take part, including local sides and travelling teams, ensuring a good standard of play throughout.

The event places equal focus on the social side. A free-throw competition will take place at lunchtime, reflecting Skip’s well-known belief that “free throws always win games.”

There will also be a wide selection of refreshments, including home baking, along with spot prizes supported by local businesses.

Events like this tend to draw a wide crowd. Players, families, former teammates and supporters all gather courtside, creating a steady buzz across the day. The setting inside the Presentation Gym adds to that, with games running back-to-back and little downtime between them.

The day will conclude with an after-party at the Failte Hotel, where live music and post-match analysis will carry on into the evening.

Spectators are encouraged to attend, with all welcome to come along, support the teams, and take part in a day that continues to reflect Skip Buckley’s lasting legacy.