Rose of Tralee protest - A warning

MATT O’CONNOR’s ridiculous stunt during the Rose of Tralee on Monday night was arguably a peaceful protest. The audience did not know initially whether it was part of an act.

It should not be compared with terrorist incidents, because nobody was attacked or hurt. Cavan Rose Lisa O’Reilly did not appear ruffled by the incident, and she received a standing ovation from the audience at the end of the interview.

Many people will remember Kerry priest Fr Neil Horan, dressed in a kilt, tackling the Brazilian Vanderlei de Lima during the Olympic marathon in Athens in 2004. De Lima was leading the race by 48 secs but he was soon passed by two other runners while suffering from muscle pains.

He received due recognition at home by being invited to light the Olympic flame at the start of the recent games in Rio, but he was still robbed of the gold medal in 2004.

People could laugh at what happened in Tralee on Monday night. The intruder should not have been able to get on stage, whether he was a priest or just dressed as one. It should act as a warning.