The real threat to the Rose of Tralee isn’t its age — it’s the online abuse

Former Rose Kirsten Mate Maher says online abuse risks deterring diverse contestants as Tralee prepares for its biggest week

Rose of Tralee 2018 Kirsten Mate Maher with her parents Kwalo and Jacinta Maher on stage in the Festival Dome on August 21, 2018. Picture: Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD

As thousands of people converge on Kerry this weekend in a bid to catch a glimpse of contestants for the Rose of Tralee contest, former Roses will also arrive in the town to relive the memories of their year as contestants.

Among them will be 2018 winner Kirsten Mate Maher, the first African-Irish winner of the contest, who has since gone on to a career in radio.