Irish television presenter Kathryn Thomas has publicly endorsed the Rose of Tralee, revealing that she would encourage her two daughters, Ellie, 8, and Grace, 4, to enter the competition when they are older. Thomas, who is set to co-host the 67th edition of the festival alongside Dáithí Ó Sé, shared these sentiments in an interview with the Sunday Independent ahead of the live broadcast on RTÉ One, scheduled for August 17 and 18.
Addressing the cultural relevance of the long-standing event, Thomas highlighted the unique environment it provides for young women. She described the participants as “brilliant role models” who offer mutual support, noting that the festival provides a platform for women to articulate their personal achievements and ambitions. For Thomas, the appeal lies in the intersection of traditional Irish cultural celebration and modern professional development.
“For the opportunities, the networking, the confidence,” Thomas stated when asked about her reasoning. She emphasized that the ability to stand on a stage before an international audience of hundreds of thousands and speak about one’s identity and accomplishments is a valuable life skill. By framing the competition as an exercise in self-advocacy, Thomas is aligning her parenting values with the platform, suggesting that the event fosters resilience and personal growth rather than merely serving as a traditional pageant.