Kathryn Thomas made history as she joined Dáithí Ó Sé on stage as the co-host of the Rose of Tralee. Thomas humorously stated that people were tuning in “to see what the hell is going to happen.” The show began with the Cork Rose, Kate Shaughnessy, whose parents met at the festival 40 years ago, and many proud parents were overcome with emotion in the audience as their daughters took the stage. The buzz in the MTU Kerry Sports Academy was palpable, with a packed crowd and thousands of viewers at home. The event featured an Irish dance to Shipping Up to Boston, a story about a “jumbo rat” at a vet, and the emotional reunion of a brother who had emigrated to Australia.
The Offaly Rose, Allie Leahy, received a surprise visit from her brother, who had returned unannounced from Melbourne. There was also a heartwarming message from the Boston-New England Rose’s grandmother. The Limerick Rose, Molli-Ann O’Halloran, shared her experience of growing up with autism and emphasized the importance of embracing differences.
Prior to going on stage, O’Halloran expressed her privilege in representing young girls like her and how she wished she had the chance to meet her older self when she was younger. She reflected on the challenges she faced in school and how she felt excluded at the time. However, she has now fully embraced her uniqueness.
The Philadelphia Rose, Marisa Berry, discussed her Spongebob Squarepants tattoo as a coping mechanism for her ADHD. She then moved the crowd with a moving rendition of Homeward Bound. Other performances included a harp solo, a song from The Little Mermaid, and some poetry.
The Arizona Rose, Ashley Jackson, created an “interactive story-time” for children at home, with Thomas playing the role of conductor on a train that traveled to the moon. The San Francisco Rose, Katie McFadden, had a race with Dáithí Ó Sé on stage. Ó Sé, known for his extravagant outfits, competed with a firefighter to see who could put on their gear the fastest.
Thomas encouraged the Melbourne Rose, Katie Casey, to be herself and recite her own poem. Social media star James Patrice brought the London Rose’s 14-carat gold flute onto the stage. In a surprising moment, Thomas thanked Temptations adult shop for the handcuffs that shackled Patrice to the flute case. The Queensland Rose received two small dogs to calm her nerves, while the Chicago Rose embraced her talent for speaking.
The festival holds a special place in the heart of the Chicago Rose, Kelley Leydon, who grew up with the belief that the world comes to a standstill in Ireland for the Late Late Toy Show and the Rose of Tralee.
Tommy Cunningham, a Kildare teacher, was crowned the 2023 Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year after a montage of the Rose of Tralee Escorts’ boot camp. Thomas expressed her excitement about the hosting format shake-up, stating that it’s about adding to what’s already there and praised the entertainment factor provided by Ó Sé and his team.
Thomas highlighted the importance of the festival in celebrating women’s confidence and achievements. Ó Sé acknowledged that he agreed to have a co-host because “the right person” came along. He emphasized the strength of the Roses who fearlessly share their personal stories on a live show with a large audience and an even larger social media presence. To Ó Sé, the Rose of Tralee is a timeless celebration of Irish women.
The Rose of Tralee continues on Tuesday night on RTÉ One.
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