The Sydney Rose made a powerful speech about Ireland’s Repeal the 8th movement at last night’s Rose of Tralee on RTE One.
The competition was back for it’s 57th year and there was plenty of controversy surrounding the show.
The speech was made shortly after this weekend’s Two Women Travel story, where two Irish women documented their journey over to the UK for an abortion.
“I think we can do better here in Ireland,” she told Dáithà Ó Sé.
“I think it’s time to give women a say on their own reproductive rights and I would love to see a referendum on the 8th coming up soon, that’d be my dream.”
.@parkinsbrea A woman who supports women. #SydneyRose #RoseofTralee #repealthe8th pic.twitter.com/7EJuyfCB0i
— Lars Biscuits (@LarsBiscuits) August 23, 2016
The Rose, Brianna Parkins, received a massive round of applause from the crowd in Tralee – but there was a mixed reaction online.
There was a huge wave of support for the women’s rights activist online for speaking up for the movement.
Finally saw Sydney Rose on #RepealThe8th. Imagine just coming out with a statement that’s both meaningful and sensible. At #RoseofTralee
— Mary Conroy (@QuietContrary) August 23, 2016
Wouldn’t be bothered watching the #RoseofTralee but God bless the Sydney Rose who talked about #repealthe8th
— Roisin (@RoRoSuperRo) August 23, 2016
Fair play to the Sydney rose, strong woman to stand up and say it. Major respect! #RoseofTralee #repealthe8th
— Vanessa Greene (@dalekmad) August 23, 2016
When the Sydney Rose mentioned #repealthe8th ?#RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/dxQQqq4HIA
— Roseanne (@Roseanne13) August 22, 2016
We all love Sydney right? #RoseofTralee https://t.co/O2xcCYhnPK
— Conor Reidy (@ConorJReidy) August 23, 2016
But, of course, there was also some hate for Brianna’s speech.
Some people didn’t agree with the Sydney Rose.
Can we send the Sydney Rose back on the next prison ship?
— J.P. McGee (@Fubble365) August 22, 2016
Anyone outside Ireland, be it the Sydney Rose or George Soros, shouldn’t have a say in the way we run our country. #RoseofTralee #SydneyRose
— Leo Sherlock (@LeoSherlock) August 22, 2016
Why doesn’t the #SydneyRose mind her own business and get the first flight home. Don’t wait til tomo, you haven’t a chance! #RoseofTralee
— Leo Sherlock (@LeoSherlock) August 22, 2016
The last one better be a minister of the eucharist after the Sydney one ruining it with her talk of women’s issues & stuff #RoseofTralee
— Fiona Kenny (@fionakenny1) August 22, 2016
