"Whether the TV event happens in Dublin, or on the moon, doesn't really matter."
The Rose of Tralee 2023 has come to an end, but already there's talk about next year's festival, with the possibility of huge changes if the annual event doesn't receive more funding.
The business community in Tralee will hold a meeting next month to discuss the Festival's future, and any changes that might need to be implemented. One such suggestion is moving the festival out of Tralee altogether.
The TV aspect of the festival might move to Dublin
According to Rose of Tralee CEO, Anthony O'Gara, Kerry County Council’s financial contribution hasn't increased in many years, but despite the obstacles that might make moving the TV aspect of the festival a good idea, O’Gara told
Radio Kerry that he would only want this to happen as an absolute last resort.
"I think the TV part of the festival might have to move, but I would hope that wouldn't happen. I would work seriously with everybody involved and I would be absolutely committed to making sure that doesn't happen.
That said, the Rose of Tralee CEO was realistic that some changes might be necessary, particularly when it comes to the TV aspect of the event.
"But when asked the question on what would happen if you don't get support, you have to be practical about everything. There's two parts to the event, and if you look at the TV part of the event, that has no connection to Tralee other than it happens to happen in Tralee. Whether the TV event happens in Dublin, or on the moon, doesn't really matter, as long as we have a festival that's successful in Tralee, and promotes Kerry and Tralee."
As for suggestions of moving the festival to Killarney, O'Gara told Radio Kerry he thinks they have a responsibility to keep it in Tralee.
Header image via Instagram / Róisín Wiley
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