We need to talk about the Rose of Tralee

We need to talk about this long-standing Irish tradition and where we stand on it.. what are your thoughts on the Rose of Tralee?
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[@APaganPerspective]

To me its Irish tradition. tradition doesnt need to be modern. it just has to bring people together and bring them joy. great video as always Claire

[@sandramccusker5520]

I don't care if it's outdated or cringe, it's amazing!! I would love to go someday! Not everyone is the same and people should be able to do their thing, right? Isn't that what we've been fighting for for so long? There was a time when every woman would have been expected to look and behave like a Rose, but now it's just one of the many options available. Leave it alone if it doesn't speak to you.

[@greendragonpublishing]

All of this. True feminism is giving each woman the freedom to do what she wants.

[@mustang1888]

Seems like it is all of the above. I am American and it seems like the kind of bonds that Sorority give people without some of the negatives. Having a platform to talk about causes is a great plus. I am not into sparkly dresses, but it is cool to see all the smiles on the woman who do like to dress up. The crack looks amazing to be a part of. Would love to see more at some point. Thanks for sharing.

[@patmeacham5667]

My maternal grandmother was from Tralee. Mary Flaherty.

[@markboyd2096]

It's not cringe, it's not out dated; it's just a good time. And eff the social media people (or anyone) that say otherwise. Things like this aren't about a platform, they're about living and having fun.

[@benncojr]

I think you nailed it on the head, when you said "It brings a sense of community". In the world we currently live in a great deal of us are wanting to belong to a community. Some of us find it in the virtual world but I think finding it in a place that you can interact with random individuals and face to face is the best!!

[@DublinBloodUSA]

In a long-standing tradition, never change

[@GaeilgegoDeo]

Aontaím leat go hiomlán. It's fun, it celebrates women, it's a bit or a lot! of craic. I always thought it was cringy growing up but I think it has changed with the times. I agree, we should all go next year. A "Clisare" meet up at the Rose of Tralee. I have to say thanks, your videos always make me smile, laugh, feel good. As an expat it's great to see someone showcasing the Ireland of the 21st Century. As someone who grew up in Ireland in the 60's and 70's I could never identify with the "stage Irish" that was always presented. Now I want to go!

[@jen-heartofglass7339]

I had a huge smile all the way through the video. Totally NOT outdated. This is an awesome and fun tradition. Maybe I'm old but we need more things like this in the world. Great job Clare❤️❤️🍀🍀

[@dennishinkle5010]

I don't really understand the whole thing but it sounds like it's there just to have some fun and there is nothing wrong with that. Go for it ladies.👍

[@liamholton8937]

I run a Facebook fan group for Rose of Tralee with over 800 members. Proof that this great festival is nowhere near outdated or cringe!

[@rn87mom94]

My cousin was the Rose of 2000!

[@Мойфильм]

This is why I like Ireland and Irish culture

[@tessyredding5422]

I love tradition, changing everything is so foolish to me, we should be able to enjoy the things we appreciate. It looks like great fun ❤

[@bwlynn73]

That looks amazing! I'd wager you can't find a single person in that crowd that thinks it's cringe or outdated.

[@tammystratford7079]

I would love to move to Ireland.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

I learned all kinds of new stuff I didn't know I needed to know! Thanks!

[@nataliella97]

your video has inspired me. I may be less than 1/32nd irish, but I think I'll apply for next year!

[@kevinmcleod2]

Hi Clisare, I’m Australian and have just now found this posting of your’s . What you said about the Rose comp’ being polarising, has had me belly laughing at the memory of my own experience with it in New Zealand , in 1967, and the ‘Ruckus’ which ensued. I haven’t told th story for ‘ donkeys’ years’, but’ll tell you in the hope that you find it amusing too. The family background is that , on the strength of the strong oral tradition of the ladies of the “fam”, We are directly descended , mostly via the matriarchal line, from Mary of Tralee & Michael ( the whistling groom). My Grandmother, Mary Doogan of Killybegs, told that her mother, Bridget Kevlin, often sat on the knee of her own grandmother, Mary, the rose of Tralee, and heard the old story first hand. In a nutshell , it was that Michael was a groom in her father’s stable and that she became fascinated by him and spent a lot of time down at the stable yard listening to him whistle as he wielded his currycomb . In time, Michael was assigned to “Squire” her whenever she rode with the hunt. Sometimes at difficult jumps, her mare would lose her nerve , so he and his Irish cob would lead them across. The inevitable happened , they drew too close and were separated by her family. Undaunted, they eloped and she was “ cut off without a penny”. ( 😬😬we’ve been poor ever since). Moving forward to 1967 when we were on holiday in Auckland. My 17 yr old sister Glenda, entered the competition and was dumbfounded by the version story as espoused by the Rose of Tralee society. They claimed that grandfather Michael came home from his exile in the Indian army just in time to see grandmother Mary’s funeral cortège pass the pub where he was having a homecoming drink. ( rather fanciful). Well , good story, but cast aspersions on grandma Brigitte’s “legitimacy“ dinnit? Well, our glorious aunty Evelyn was having none of it. She put on her “ going to town suit” and frogmarched Glenda to the society’s office. I wasn’t going to miss this so followed along. As our mother watched our procession head down the street , she’s said to have clutched the pearls and whispered, “ Oh dear! Eva’s got her Irish up”. At the office, I wasn’t allowed to join the meeting , but was sat outside with the receptioniste . The committee was a bit flustered by being pounced on and challenged by this duo of aggravated, raven haired, Irish women. They stuck to their guns and said that they preferred their own story of events. I heard aunty Eva’s raised voiced say, “ what rubbish, my mother was a Christian woman and never told a lie in her life”. Then she flounced out of the meeting, in high dudgeon ,with Glenda in tow. Well, that was the abrupt end of Glenda’s aspirations to celebrity . However after all these decades it’s good to hear that it still has the propensity to raise some ppl’s hackles. I’d say one wee thing in closing. Please stop inferring that there is a cringe element to this. I feel that you might just be pandering to the “ woke” & “ politically correct “ floating about out there. It smacks a little of insecurity and white guilt. The romantic side of white peoples’ culture is just as valid as anyone else’s. Especially that it has come to us, hand in hand with most of the world’s great advancements. Much love from Australia Kevin ❤❤

[@brogan56]

That looks like a fantastic time, I'd go for sure!

[@davidcreager1945]

Sounds like a wonderful tradition !! Glad it's adapting to the times instead of going away . Have a great day ! 🧡🤍💚☘️🧡🤍💚☘️

[@dondavis6997]

It's good keeping up the irish tradition

[@mberliner1988]

I think we all meet there next year and just go HAM!!!

[@jonorr7984]

I have heard of the Rose of Tralee. Did not know the whole event. It is awesome! Thanks for showing ❤

[@shirlynb148]

At almost 64 I celebrate being a women. I love clothing, makeup & shoes BUT can also drywall! There are things in this world that stand the test of time just by sheer tradition. Obviously there will always be those who find fault but they can not watch, stay home and not participate.

[@mikeparker3865]

It looks like an awesome bit of fun and wicked cool!

[@RM-zu2nh]

Its such a friendly rock concert. You all have so much fun. I think its better when you sing for the contestants because then everyone supports the event. How wonderful.!

[@Talktothehand.253]

I had heard of it in the past but never knew exactly what it was. I don’t particularly like pageant themes, but i always believe that people should keep their traditions. To be quite honest i would have preferred more rose plants 😉😂

[@janetlykins295]

That looks like it was GREAT CRAIC!!!! Please don’t ever stop, it’s so important to the traditions of the homeland! 💖💖💖💖💖

[@nilo70]

First , Cheers From California ! Second , Never ever change for others . Always be True to Yourself 😊

[@kingnidoking1826]

"Some people dip in and out, sure. but some people find a place to belong" that could be said about almost anything

[@Clisare]

I mean, of course it could. Most general statements could realistically be applied to most things 😂 but my point is actually specific to the Rose, because not every Rose buys into the “family” vibe but a large majority do, eg Brenda coming to every festival 38 years on!

[@Imru-Gamer]

That looks awesome. Everything you do there in Ireland looks amazing. 💜💜🇮🇪🇮🇪💜💜🙏🙏

[@DublinBloodUSA]

Another Awesome Video by the most Beautiful lady in Ireland … ❤❤❤❤

[@jacklowe3429]

3:40 The best part of this finely-made video---the hat. You wearing the hat should've been the thumbnail!

[@Clisare]

That hat was robbed from me at an event shortly after 🥲😭

[@dmax9946]

I FINALLY know what this festival is called. I saw a news snippet many years ago and remember the sashes, but it wasn't a miss universe beauty pageant. Thanks Claire

[@jasonmiller3325]

I think it class and should be televised world wide!!!

[@toeknee1505]

I never heard of this until I saw your video. It's great to see that besides the women competing, you also have the male escorts and the community celebrating week long... even fireworks!!! Thank you Clare for the video, and I am guessing that next August will be the next event!!! What a celebration!!!!!

[@redthunder7118]

I've also never heard of this! I need to ask my family if they've ever been. 😊

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Looks like great fun! But, I always thought The Rose of Tralee was a song much like our Yellow Rose of Texas.

[@Clisare]

It is! There is a song the whole thing is based off. It’s the theme song to the festival.

[@rylian21]

This looks like a really fun time. It seems like a great time and a good party!

[@allegro65]

While it probably is a little outdated, mostly in the idea that the Rose's need an escort, I think it sounds absolutely amazing and would never want to see it stop! I'm sure it will morph with the times a little bit more each year, but I hope you are able to enjoy it for many, many years to come.

[@ragtop63]

I've never heard of that festival. This was very educational. Thank you for sharing this!

[@bobtoerge5497]

It all sounds WONDERFUL!!!! 😊

[@chantalhill9268]

My grandmother was born in Tralee and I grew in America, so I would LOVE to experience the festival at least once! Mr Liam Heaslip was her nephew.. I think it's Grand! as my Irish cousins would say.

[@deborahsorgi8515]

I love it I hope one day to go Thank you for sharing 😊

[@sh2nn0nr2wks]

I just saw "Arizona Rose" on that beautiful woman's sash! Maybe I knew my state participated in this and forgot or maybe I never knew, but I'm going down the rabbit hole now! Thanks!

[@AnnetteMurphyger]

I love sparkly dresses

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video 👍🏻

[@Clisare]

Thanks for watching! 💚

[@-RONNIE]

You're welcome have a good weekend & everybody like sparkly dresses 😂👍🏻

[@jimcalloway3028]

That's looks like a lot of fun!

[@bristlehof1810]

I want to come to the Rose Festival, that looks like fun!

[@jnb756]

Arizona rose? That made me smile as an Arizona resident - It seems respectful towards women and a lot of fun for all!

[@sarsfield70]

Love your heritage fair play to ya :)

[@Bob_just_Bob]

As long as people are enjoying themselves then it's not outdated. Nostalgia is fun too

[@TheCraftyCailleach]

I love the festival, I think its a lovely celebration of culture, craic and also ties in links with the diaspora. Really like to see how it's changing to be more inclusive, allowing married women and transwomen to enter now. It's pure cringe at times but I love that too! Great video ❤

[@jasthe3rd]

I think it can be all those things, all at the same time, and that's OK as long as nobody is getting hurt and people are having a good time :)

[@richardleatherman5075]

Very Interesting. Looks like fun for all - there's nothing cringe about that.

[@davewhitmore1958]

Harmless and good craic

[@davewhitmore1958]

I'd only heard of it through a reference in the movie "Caddyshack" BTW, thank you for the info!

[@Clisare]

I didn’t know there was film that referenced the Rose Of Tralee!!

[@MPERIALENTERTAINMENTD]

Keep it. Nothing wrong with it. You enjoy it then enjoy it.

[@GenXfrom75]

Stunning ❤

[@jimmietanner52]

Go Wild My Girl , You Are A True Rose !

[@pollyduron674]

I definitely would love to go and experience it. It would be helpful to know someone, so I don't get up to a lot of things I shouldn't. 😂

[@FastNFearless]

As you get older it seems to be less cringe but a great excuse to get away for a weekend of drinking in Tralee. Is it a waist of a year for a young student especially when they have to travel so much after winning.

[@Clisare]

Surely it’s the opposite for a young student. A year of travel with all expenses covered sounds pretty good!

[@Brandon_Beaty]

Super interesting video. I've heard of the event from quite a long time back and was aware how widely they cast the net, but not how big / long the event actually is. It's great tradition to me and none of these women are forced into it. If they want to participate, who's got the right to tell them, "No."? I don't think you can do much of anything in life without someone getting offended. Too bad, but tough. Never has life ever been or will it ever be "fair" to every single person walking the earth.

[@AkAv8er]

The sands of time pass much quicker than we ever imagine...I think you should live them in the best possible way! All "traditions" start with a first event and will only last as long as the people choose to support them.

[@davidwillford3119]

I'm curious about the part (at 8:36) where you're being told "A smile so hard to resist," if he said "By the way, that's a cute hat" before he said that, since it's from the Bob Dylan song "Sweetheart Like You."

[@Clisare]

He didn’t 😂 he said “I’ll put it on you” as my hands were full 😆

[@languageoffootball]

Celebrate it. Homogeneity is the thief of joy!

[@zippymacadoo6336]

Let's go!

[@BazTheStoryteller]

"I can't do July yet." Clare, did you know that.... "July is National Baked Bean Month."

[@Clisare]

Random 😂

[@duygukayhanisaskank4915]

​@@Clisare YES, this Irish Tradition MUST continue...until "trans-gender" psycho-freaks are allowed to participate. Best regards from Yucatan Mexico, Ben

[@warrendavis9262]

I discovered the Rose of Tralee through...you!

[@Batanuhtanah]

Interesting culture

[@robertamcmunn3642]

How am I not surprised you were a contestant.

[@lellyt2372]

Not being modern is not a fault. Tradition is important and happy memories of watching the Rose of Tralee with your family, knowing a Rose or an escort. Going to the festival etc. It is OURS and we should be careful or everything that is totally Irish and traditional will be sacrificed on the altar of modernity and then we won't be any different from every other country that gives up what makes them unique

[@SteveInTheOC]

How fun! A bit jelly though. Why cant we have this kind of fun in America?

[@dondavis6997]

So what's wrong with that it's a good thing❤❤

[@lizetteolsen3218]

It appears to be a very large cultural bonding event. So many people have a role to make the week long event a success--then the continuation of the winning Rose to spend a year promoting whatever cause she has selected. It does not harm. It does reaffirm aspects of Irish culture that by modernizing occasionally help to continue to share with younger generations. The fact that there is even a lineage (Brenda) doubtful she is the only person. So the downside to this is what, exactly?

[@jessegelhof1756]

It looks fun!!! Being 36 I feel a bit old that there are age limits, lol! But-- someone (teenagers(-- looking at my kid and their friends, and my former students, for insane overuse of the word)) will always say "that's cringe" about anything. If it doesn't hurt anyone, and just brings smiles, then fuck it. I'd go if I was there.

[@Donegallass72schannel-bo2jg]

I love how they have to subtitle her. There’s no reason for that she is speaking English. Also, the roles are truly is meant to be more modern and progressive than it was once dude it’s probably the best known pageant in Ireland for women, and at one point was seen as somewhat of a leader in women’s rights you would really have to visit county Kerry to understand this tradition, the Donegal, Rose, for several years has been stellar however, she never wins

[@AnnetteMurphyger]

Are persons with physical disabiliies allowed to enter?

[@randyhodges8782]

The people seem to enjoy it.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

2015 Claire almost looks like a different person. And I mean that in a good way!

[@Clisare]

2021 Clare discovered skincare😂

[@Jay-ql4gp]

🤣@@Clisare

[@drewc981]

I'm curious, does the international Rose of Tralee happen at the same time? I'm assuming due to Irish citizenship rules someone born outside of Ireland can enter if their parents were born in Ireland. I ask because I was a bit confused as to why there was a New York Rose of Tralee chosen this year. I just happened to see an interview with Róisín Wiley and her American accent threw me off a bit. As always, great video 😀

[@connorfullerton2626]

You can get dual citizenship if either of your grandparents were Irish nationals.

[@drewc981]

@@connorfullerton2626 I was aware of that as well, but in this circumstance it's the person's parents that were born in Ireland.

[@connorfullerton2626]

@@drewc981 Should be a far simpler solution then.

[@thecocktailian2091]

Probably just get an extended stay visa. its only for the year. No need to make it a life altering affair. Then you just pop back every year for the festival.

[@drewc981]

@@thecocktailian2091 Oh I understand that but even with the Irish citizenship rules I found it a little odd that someone who was not born in or has never lived in Ireland could win the Rose of Tralee unless there is indeed an international portion of the competition. That's where my question comes from, I suppose.

[@scallums]

How is it you are not sponsored by Tayto's yet??? This will solve your crisp problem..

[@Clisare]

Ahahaha chips not crisps! 😂😂 You would probably call them “steak cut fries” in America

[@LevittownDirtBag]

Never heard of it before you mentioned it, definitely not my kind of thing but seems relatively harmless. So two things: when you said "bag of chips" did you mean what you call crisps or did you mean what we call fries? and, did you really think a 4 or 5 hour drive was long?

[@Clisare]

You call them fries except not I’m not talking about the skinny ones, I’m talking about thick ones that come in a bag from a “chipper” here. Yes 4.5 hour drive is long. Can’t hack it anymore!

[@terenzo50]

Earthlings have belonging needs along with their several others (oxygen, water, food, pets, comedy) that are every bit as important. It's up to the Irish women themselves what they want to do with the Rose of Tralee. But they could use a hipper band. Or if they stick with the Garda, hipper charts. Orchestras used to be the hippest thing around. Nice to hear that old Bruce Channel hit Hey! Baby (notable for Delbert McClinton's harmonica part) being sung as the women left the bus and entered the door. Were you sporting bangs in the past or are my eyes glazed over?

[@Clisare]

I have to say I loved the sexy singing Garda! 😂 I don’t think I did have a fringe here… did I? maybe this was when I was trying to grow it out. I cut one in about once a year I’d say 😂

[@terenzo50]

Well, you looked cute. Bangs (fringe) used to be THE thing back in the 1960s when I was in high school.@@Clisare

[@irishfergal]

The cringe factor is essential! An escort trying to describe his job: "He must entertain his rose." When I was a young escort in Hell's Kitchen, I entertained my clients with Daniel O'Donnell songs, carnal acts, tea, sandwiches, and buttered scones. I even earned my drag Rose name "Kerry Gold."

[@amyflanagan444]

Ah look it! It could be better, but if they keep going and making it more updated and more inclusive I don't see a harm in it! The Miss World and Miss Universe competitions are JUST about beauty, but the Rose of Tralee is something more than that. I miss when every Rose has to have a talent, that always leads to a bit of craic but it's great. I hope they don't move it to Dublin. Dublin has enough for tourism, leave it in Tralee. That's is it's home!

[@Wil_Liam1]

Apparently Irish scones are called biscuits in America,and a few other countries, whereas in some countries, scones are just baked bread rolls ..

[@Clisare]

… biscuits?? BISCUITS?? 😱

[@carolmurphy7572]

​@Clisare Yes, Clare. That's what's meant when people from the U.S. talk about having biscuits and gravy. The gravy is made from frying up loose sausage meat, creating a roux with the rendered fat and some flour, then mixing in milk and bringing it to a boil until it thickens; season with salt and pepper; serve over split biscuits.

[@Wil_Liam1]

@Clisare yes,biscuits here in the states are made of white flour,rolled into a flat dough,then cut into a round shape,baked until they look like those scones you had...

[@seansersmylie]

Nah, it's awful. It was an imported 1950's USA style beauty contest and is a reminder of the dark, backwards days of mid-century Ireland. No attempt at modernisation will ever work, can you modernise racism? The same applies for misogyny.

[@brianware8934]

I’ve taken as much as I could of Miss America and I don’t remember the other ones, but that’s more cringe in an hour of one of those than there was shown in all your clips of the Rose of Tralee combined. A week of that, hell yeah.

[@LindaC616]

So how often do they pick someone from another country!? Love the hair, btw. The layers still look nice. And omg, Clare, the thotbots have found you

[@Clisare]

What is a Thotbot? Thank you! I miss the long hair even though all the cut footage is me complaining I’m too hot 😂 they often pick Roses from other countries/areas. Last year’s winner was Westmeath in this video but I think this year, the New York rose won?

[@LindaC616]

@@Clisare omg, Try's new short on breakfast burgers features you and Ciara....and btw, had to look up that hip hop dance! 🤣

[@patrickmooney4135]

It's only cringe to those who have to see everything through some sort of social justice filter so they can feel better about themselves and more superior to others. Let it be and enjoy it... Better yet, celebrate it.

[@sherondalewis8053]

A, loved the scene from Father Ted. B, have you ever been down there with Alex, and would he go with you next year? C, Has any of the Tryers been there with you before and would anyone go or meet up with you down there? D, How many countries participated in the Rose of Tralee? E, Thanks for showing us this wonderful event!

[@Clisare]

I haven’t ever brought Alex and I don’t think he’d be interested. He really doesn’t like parades or anything like that so not only would he not want to take time off work to come (it’s normally during a full working week in Tralee) but he’d only slow me down because I could stand around filming bits all day and he would be wanting to move on or do something else the whole time! So we have a lovely arrangement where I head off by myself and do my thing and sometimes we do stuff together (that we’re both interested in!) Normally it’s 32 Roses in the Rose of Tralee. I imagine the idea is that there are 32 counties of Ireland therefore 32 Roses, however not every county enters and places like Melbourne and New York etc enter instead. Pretty sure you have to have Irish ancestry to enter from those places. Lastly, you’re so welcome thank you so much for watching! 💚💚

[@sherondalewis8053]

@Clisare thanks for the reply, and it's interesting that not all of the counties volunteer in this.

[@vladsview194]

I see no reason for this thing, I mean what do I get if I go there? There's no practical benefit to it 🤔

[@Clisare]

What 😂 does everything in life, including entertainment, need to have a practical benefit?! 🤣

[@vladsview194]

@@Clisare because life is short and opportunities few.

[@williamdixon595]

!ALGORITHM!

[@glennoc8585]

Always seem to be hosted by men over 65 i don't know whether it's an Irish thing but theres a Johnny Carson or old priest that tells bad grandad jokes culture....you see it in Europe too. I still think these traditional events are fun and its Irish traditional culture even if it's s a wee cringe who cares

[@KavanOBrien]

Just because people don’t agree or believe with this competition and the rules doesn’t make them right, if they don’t like it have an idea for those souls = don’t enter or watch it = sorted.

[@GremlinsAndGnomes]

Is "modern" just a way of saying something measures up to the sensibilities and tastes of wealthy Anglo-Americans?

[@Clisare]

I suppose it’s a way of saying something is less sexist, racist and ableist than it used to be

[@alexmccormick2327]

Ireland belong to the Irish nothing else to say!!!!!!!!

[@Clisare]

I don’t really understand what this means

[@joshjones6072]

I don't know that the Rose of Tralee is cringe, what is it? It's women enjoying themselves, that's what it is. Seems like any custom that celebrates western women these days is called cringe online. I hadn't heard of it before, being from California, but I did notice women wearing sashes with Florida and Arizona. Maybe there's a Californian one too?

[@Clisare]

There was 11 Roses representing North America this year (2023) and looks like Southern California wasn’t one of them. There are a lot more than 32 Roses but only 32 get through to the final night so I’m not sure if Southern California had one or not this year.

[@denial987]

I guess escort in Ireland than what it does have in North America.

[@FlyDrowner]

So this Mundy fellow's a spiffing lark huh?

[@Clisare]

He seems very good craic