LIFE changing experiences come just once a year and that time has arrived for Irish women everywhere to get their skates on to enter the 2012 Rose of Tralee and fulfil their childhood dream.

The reigning Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot has had an amazing few months since she was crowned the winner in front of the third highest TV viewing audience of the year.

Tara is presently in Belarus along with Westmeath Rose of Tralee 2011, Teresa Donoghue, doing some great charity work.

The one million people tuning into watch the selection nights next August 20 and 21 will only catch a glimpse of each Rose's amazing journey along the way to Tralee. Regional Finals of the Rose of Tralee taking place in Portlaoise from June 1 to 3 and the Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee from August 17 to 21.

Westmeath Selection

Westmeath selection takes place on March 31 and if you are interested in applying or know of someone who may be interested please contact Paula Gannon at westmeathroseoftralee@gmail.com or phone 087 9886425 or log on to www.roseoftralee.ie now to download an application form. Or if you are intetested in sponsoring a rose please give Paula a shout. Entrants must be aged between 18 & 27.

Any Rose of Tralee will say that the experience is the ultimate reward for anyone who enters the Rose of Tralee, regardless of the outcome in the Dome. However there are some great prizes on offer as well including - a World Travel Fund of €25,000 from the Pilot Training College, a treasure trove of Jewellery and Homeware from lead-sponsors Newbridge Silverware, the use of a car for the year, free accommodation at any Carlton Hotel in Ireland and much more.

Each lady who is chosen to become her county's Rose will win a wonderful selection of prizes from Newbridge Silverware, Carlton Hotel Group and local event sponsors.

Escort of the Year 2012 to win €5000

One lucky guy will be chosen as the Pilot Training College Escort of the Year live on TV when he will be presented with a cheque for €5,000! Gentlemen can apply by filling in the online-form at www.roseoftralee.ie and return it with a non-refundable application fee of €25.

The closing date for all applications is (lucky for some) Friday April 13.

Application forms and full details of how to become a Rose or Escort are available at www.roseoftralee.ie or contact the Rose of Tralee International Festival Office on 066-7121322 to find out who is organising a Rose Selection event near you.