Mayo's Kate Heneghan early favourite for Rose of Tralee

MAYO’S Kate Heneghan has been made the early favourite to win the Rose of Tralee with BoyleSports making her a 5/1 shot to be crowned the winner at this month’s festival.

The county’s long wait for the Sam Maguire may be ongoing, but early support from punters suggests the winner’s sash could be making its way west.

The 27-year-old from Castlebar boasts a Masters in Music composition on her impressive CV and the keen harpist has toured the world as a musician and teaches Irish traditional and classical music.

There could also be cause for local celebrations in Tralee as Kerry representative Kelsey Lang McCarthy, another keen musician with aspirations to be an ambulance paramedic, is second favourite to keep the crown in the Kingdom.

The roses will be on stage in Tralee on August 21 and 22.