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For the first time in its 61 year history the Rose of Tralee International Festival has been postponed.

Anthony O'Gara, Executive Chair of the Festival, this morning said that it is the right decision given the ongoing health crisis.

“Over the past few weeks, our team have been considering how best we could safely deliver some, or all, of our 2020 Festival events,” he said.

“Taking into account Government guidelines, the safety of our communities and the ability to deliver a wonderful Festival; we have decided to postpone our 2020 Festival until August 2021.

“This is the first time in our 61-year history that the Festival has been postponed, but it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well.”

The Rose of Tralee International Festival operates on a yearlong basis, in Irish communities worldwide; and will continue to harness the goodwill of its extended Rose Family in supporting communities and charitable efforts over the next 12 months, he added.

“Similarly, we will each have a role to play in restoring our community and local economy following this pandemic, and we look forward to coming together in celebration, showcasing Tralee and Kerry once more in August 2021.

“In the meantime, we salute the leadership and the selfless efforts of frontline and support staff everywhere; and among them the efforts by many of our Roses, Rose Escorts and wider Rose Family, including our 2019 Rose of Tralee, Dr Sinéad Flanagan. Our immediate priority is to support the health and civic authorities in doing whatever we can to keep each other safe and well, and ultimately to protect lives.”

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council extended best wishes to the Rose of Tralee International Festival following their announcement this morning.

Cllr Niall Kelleher said that the decision was disappointing but understandable.

"Kerry County Council is a long-standing sponsor and supporter of the Rose of Tralee International Festival and the event is a centrepiece of the Irish summer. This decision must have been a difficult one for the organisers and will be a disappointment to the people of Tralee in particular. But I am sure that public health was the primary consideration for everyone and that the decision is in the best interests of everyone in the community. The Rose of Tralee Festival will return in 2021 and Kerry County Council looks forward to again giving its support to this wonderful international event," Cllr Kelleher, said.

The Cathaoirleach acknowledged that many other festivals and events in Kerry would be cancelled over the summer and said that Kerry County Council would work with festival organisers to help them to resume their activities at the earliest opportunity.