Married and transgender women can now enter the Rose of Tralee

Presenter Daithi O Se with International Roses in 2017
Married and transgender women can compete in this yearâs Rose of Tralee.
The significant change to the competition rules was confirmed by festival chief Anthony OâGara this morning.
Speaking on RTĂ's
, Mr OâGara said transgender women have never been explicitly ruled out from entering the festival, but it had been pointed out to them that âa clear policy stating that trans women are welcome as opposed to just presuming that they feel welcomeâ was needed.âItâs important to be proactive in that area and make sure that we reach out to people and make sure that theyâre comfortable,â he said. Â
The maximum age limit has also been increased for this yearâs competition, with women aged 29 and under now allowed to compete for the coveted crown. In previous years, the age limit was capped at 28.
Mr OâGara said the change was a ânatural progression".Â
âThe lifestyle of people is changing, so women are getting married later and having families laterâŠitâs just trying to track whatâs happening in society really.âÂ

The âŹ300 sponsorship fee required for entrants based in Ireland has also been reduced to âŹ200 for 2022.Â
Mr OâGara said the addition of married or trans women in 2022 would be a âwelcome changeâ for the competition.
The festival has been cancelled for the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions but Mr O'Gara said he has his âfingers crossedâ for 2022.
The festival is scheduled to take place from August 19 to 23 next year, with 10 events held at a local level leading to a county final.
The Rose of Tralee chief executive also hinted that this year's final is unlikely to be held in the Dome marquee but instead in Munster Technological University (MTU).
You can apply to be a 2022 Rose here.