Rose of Tralee festival dismisses suggestions of sectarianism

The Rose of Tralee International Festival has dismissed suggestions it is sectarian after a Church of Ireland rector said his church has been overlooked to hold a service for the contestants during the annual event.

In a parish newsletter at the weekend, under the title: “The Rose of Tralee — a Roman Catholic Festival?”, Rev Robert Warren revealed that a rota system operates between churches in Tralee to hold the service for the Roses and their families. It was the Church of Ireland’s turn this year, according to Rev Warren.

However, he claimed, organisers decided to hold an outdoor Mass in Pearse Park, without consulting him or the clergy of various parishes. He had received a call from the festival office saying the rota system had been shelved.