Daithi O’Se has hit back at critics of the Rose of Tralee who think the pageant is “outdated”.
Admitting he’s proud to be apart of the event, the Kerryman has revealed pageant-bashers need to look at the nation’s reaction to the current Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh coming out.
“A lot of people say it’s backwards, but they’re the people who haven’t seen it in years,” he said.
All rosie: Daithi opens up on commentators of the Rose of Tralee | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I think it is a great show and I am so proud to be a part of it.
“Anyone who thinks it is outdated should just look at the nationwide reaction and support when, soon after being crowned last year’s winner, Philadelphia’s Maria Walsh, revealed she was a lesbian,” he admitted.
“The people of Ireland were more up in arms by the fact that she is a pioneer,” he told the Sunday World magazine.
Taking to the Dome in Tralee tomorrow night for the sixth time, the RTE star revealed the show is like his “All-Ireland final”.
Al-Ireland final: Daithi O Se revealed the Rose of Tralee is his All-Ireland final | TONY KINLAN
“I said in 2010 when I was first asked, and I will say it again: I will do this gig until the powers-that-be think it is time for me to move on,” he said.
“If it is up to me, I’d do it until I am a very old man.
“This is my All-Ireland final. The Dome in Tralee is my Croke Park. I am the first Kerryman to ever present it and I am following the likes of Tubridy, Ray D’arcy and Gay Byrne,” he added.
“I’m probably not supposed to come over all enthusisatic like this. Maybe I should play hard to get. But I absolutely love this gig.”
