Daithi O'Se had NO idea that Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh was gay

Rose of Tralee host Daithi O’Se has admitted he “hadn’t a clue” that winner Maria Walsh was gay.

Yesterday Maria revealed she was a lesbian after falling in love with a woman two years ago – but insisted it shouldn’t matter.

And the RTE star said he hopes that the Philadelphia Rose’s decision to open up about her sexuality will show the contest isn’t “out of touch”.

“I know we’ve had gay Roses in the past but I hadn’t a clue about Maria. Yes, we ask some of the Roses are they in a relationship,” he said.

No idea: Daithi never knew Maria was gay

“But Maria’s story was about having tattoos in memory of her late cousin and being a non-drinker. Her sexuality never came up in conversation.

“I think it’s brilliant for the festival and it really shouldn’t matter if Maria is gay or not. She’s simply a great role model regardless of her sexuality.

“The festival is about a celebration of strong Irish women, family and their communities and I think Maria talking about her sexuality will put all those begrudgers, who call the show twee and out of touch, firmly out of their place.”

Landmark: Oliver believes it will help other people open up about their sexuality

Meanwhile gay comic Oliver Callan told the Star that Maria’s decision to reveal her sexuality is a “giant leap for lesbiankind”.

He added: “On a political level this is wonderful for Maria Walsh. On a political level it’s a massive landmark for Ireland.

“We have been lacking an Irish female gay icon and now we have her. The Rose of Tralee has been a dinosaur of an institution and overnight it has danced into the 21st century courtesy of this beautiful talent woman.

“It’s one small word for a woman, one giant leap for lesbiankind.”