No snakes, vows charmer Daithí

FOR all the hype, fanfare and hectic schedules surrounding the build-up to the Rose of Tralee, Daithí O Sé is a relieved man.

It isn’t because the bi-lingual former weatherman has landed one of the biggest gigs in Irish tourism, further proof of his rising reputation within the broadcasting industry. It’s not that after months of preparation the first of two live TV Rose of Tralee shows are finally upon him.

And despite one commentator’s cruel quip at the weekend, there is no truth that the relaxed demeanor is because his appointment as Ray D’Arcy’s successor means Rose of Tralee contestants won’t be towering over their host if they wear high heels.

Instead, Ireland’s most famous gaelgoir’s relief comes from an altogether more natural place.

Finding a rare free moment amid another day of rehearsals, sound-checks, wardrobe changes and last minute photo-calls, the Dingle native takes a seat in a backroom beside the Tralee Dome which will host the big event and lets you in on a secret he’s been dying to share.

Unlike the 2009 event, when Toronto Rose Sarah Sullivan brought a special guest on as her party piece, this year’s Rose of Tralee will involve… no snakes.

Not a reptile within reach. Not an amphibian in the arena. And one very relieved host wearing a smile that can only say: “thank you organisers”.

“There are no snakes this year. They’re won’t be anything slithering across the stage,” he explains, adding that any other potential pitfall over the next two nights pales in comparison to the unusual guest he faced as a judge at last year’s show.

While O Sé is giving little else away on what may be in store during his first appearance as Rose of Tralee host, the down-to-earth presenter – who has previously worked as a teacher, butcher, Blasket islands ferry driver and circus ringmaster – insists he will be attempting to give the event a personal twist.

Bookmakers are making the same prediction, with bets available on the Kerry native performing an impromptu duet with a Rose, accidentally tearing a dress, wearing his infamous cowboy boots, hoisting a contestant up like she is the Sam Maguire cup and even marrying a Rose in the near future.

O Sé recognises the need to make the festival – which has changed from a cheesy event costing €750 in 1959 to a slightly less cheesy event costing well over €1 million today – appear fresh if it is to keep thriving.

“When we heard Ray D’Arcy was packing it in and hanging up his tux I was surprised because he always had a great rapport with the Roses. But I was even more surprised when people started throwing my name around – I think Ryan Tubridy’s tweets can take the blame for it.

“It was a bit of craic when a book opened on me getting the gig, and when everyone started asking me about it in interviews I realised if I was to get the job I’d have to give it my own twist to get up to the same league as Gaybo, Ray D’Arcy, Ryan and all the rest.

“It was only in May when I found out I got the gig, I was over in the States filming the TG4 show and saw the number come up, so I thought Jesus, I better answer this. Then the realisation sets in about how big hosting the Rose of Tralee is.

“Hopefully bringing myself to the table and having a bit of craic with the Roses will add a bit to the nights, but certainly there’s no cold feet. We’re all looking excited about what’s going to happen.”

Between now and kick-off time this evening, Daithí will be going through almost a dozen final rehearsals for tonight’s show.

Any last minute advice, such as that given by Ryan Tubridy and Ray D’Arcy on their radio programmes this morning, he insists, will be gratefully received.

But ultimately, the Rose of Tralee’s new man in town knows success or failure depends on how he alone handles the high-profile prime time event – even in the face of criticism.

“I’ll have to wait until Wednesday morning to see how people have reacted to me as the host, but I’m looking forward to it.

“The critics of the Rose of Tralee might be on to me, there’s always a few of them who’ve probably had a bad report written for the last few months waiting to publish it, but I reckon the next two nights will be good fun.

“You can’t be worried about the snipers out there because they’ll always be there waiting for you, good, bad or indifferent. They’re a part of life. Most people will be looking forward to it,” he said, adding with the trademark roguish twinkle in his eyes: “We’re certainly going to put on a show.”