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No pricked pride over the Roses' thorny odds

Jennifer Bray

Last year's Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny from London

Clare Kambamettu, this year's London Rose

Danielle McBurnett, Arizona Rose 2010

50/1 shot Claire McGing of Luxembourg

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Contestants in the upcoming Rose of Tralee who have been priced as rank outsiders by the bookies say they are not offended by the lack of confidence in them, and do not believe it is any reflection on their looks. Boylesports, who have priced some of the Roses at 50 to 1, say these odds have nothing to do with how attractive their staff regard the contestants. Levels of charity of work carried out by the contestants are more important in setting the odds, the company said.

Arizona Rose Danielle McBurnett, who is placed at 33/1 for the contestant, which takes place later this month, says she does not believe the odds to be of any importance. "I don't think about things like betting odds. A lot of us have been told this phrase, 'once a rose, always a rose' and I like to stick to that way of thinking. Every girl is a winner in this." McBurnett, who is a registered nurse, says many of the rose competitors are friends on Facebook. "We all talk online so there is not intense competition in that way."

Darwin Rose Valerie O'Halloran, who is installed at odds of 20/1 and who also works as a nurse, says the real odds are different to those being placed by the betting firms. "I have no idea how they come up with the bets but it is all fun. I wouldn't be surprised if they worked out to be wrong as it is really a one-in-32 chance for us all."

O' Halloran says she has looked on the Rose of Tralee website at the profiles of the rest of the girls, but is not focusing on competition. "When I was small I would watch the show on the TV so it is a bit of a dream to be competing now, and it is more important to me to just be there more than anything else."

London Rose Clare Kambamettu, also 20/1, says the betting odds have been a big topic of conversation.

"People have been talking about the odds ever since they first went up but no one takes it seriously. If people want to throw some money down on this, that's the way it goes, but I've been told by previous competitors that you can make life-long friends and this is what it is all about for me."

Nicola McGeady of BoyleSports, who sets the betting trends, says there are a number of things which determine how they are finalised. "Firstly we look at the trends in terms of previous winners. Then we talk to locals in Kerry and get their reaction. It all comes down to a girl's personality and talents. We also speak to the judges and get their reaction beforehand."

McGeady says that the odds have nothing to do with looks and claims those who are placed at 50/1, such as Claire?McGing, the Luxembourg Rose, should not be offended. "It is not based on looks at all. We look for a resumé, things like charity work. I wouldn't say it is harsh for those with 50/1 odds, as we don't know an awful lot about them. We have to figure out where the money is going."