Emigration generation adds poignancy to Rose of Tralee Festival

The Rose of Tralee is often criticised by its detractors for failing to represent modern Ireland.

But in one aspect at least, the annual festival is continuing to highlight an all- too up-to-date problem.

For the fourth year running, a significant number of the girls who have made it to Tralee are part of the country’s emigration generation. And despite claims that the recession is easing, it appears there is little sign of a change in this trend.