LAST NIGHT BROUGHT us the glorious, shining annual gift to our nationhood that is the Rose of Tralee. Ahead of tonight’s final showdown, here are 6 of the most memorable moments.

We’ll be liveblogging the rest of the Roses and the big decision tonight – don’t forget to tune in!

1. Dáithí woos Ireland with his shimmy

A nation swoons.

Screen grab/RTÉ Player

2. This Man Wins The Escort Competition

You can’t see it in this photo, but he’s clutched a 44-piece Newbridge Silverware cutlery collection to his beating breast. “I’m in shock. I’m shaking,” he said. Now THAT is commitment to the glamorous world of escortdom.

While we’re at it, let’s just take a look at the cream of Ireland’s manhood in their full glory, shall we?

Screen grab/RTÉ Player

Wonderful.

3. The voodoo doll of Nicola McEvoy

There’s a dark, dark story behind here. See the evil light in his eyes?

Screen grab/RTÉ Player

4. Dáithí learns to line-dance

Well, I say “learns”. I think we’re all aware he’s known as the best stepper this side of the Dingle Peninsula.

YouTube/rte

5. Rose makes heroic recovery after going for the wrong entrance

Some would have crumbled after that mistake. But a real Rose contender is made of sterner stuff. Step forward, Briana Apgar: