Gay Rose of Tralee winner ‘would have been accepted 10 years ago’

New Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has suggested a gay winner of the competition would have been accepted "10 years ago" if the opportunity arose.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner as part of a small number of weekend interviews on the matter, the 27-year-old stressed that despite some critics claiming the popular contest represents an out-dated version of Irish culture, officials have been entirely welcoming of her news.

While she confirmed that organisers did not know about her sexuality until a newspaper request for an interview on the subject occurred — despite initial suggestions to the contrary — the Mayo-raised Rose said she was assured it made no difference to the role.