Organisers of the Rose of Tralee International Festival have just announced that this year's Festival will not be able to go ahead.

It's the second year the festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19 - last year being the first time in its history that it was called off. 

Rose Of Tralee International Festival CEO Anthony O'Gara explained that since last year’s postponement, they have been working on how best they could safely deliver some, or all, of the 2021 Rose of Tralee International Festival events at home and abroad. 

"It has been a long and difficult 15 months for so many as a result of COVID-19, and its impact continues to be felt worldwide," he said.

"The development and the rollout of vaccines has brought much needed hope that a return to normal is in sight. Sadly, the timeframe envisaged to safely steer our communities out of this pandemic, and our responsibility to positively support those efforts, mean that we will not be able to have a Festival again this year, which is immensely disappointing for all of us involved."

He said that it "is difficult for everyone involved" and "for supporters that look forward to celebrating our global Irish community each August," but that they are confident it is the right decision to keep "each other safe and well".

The Festival operates on a yearlong basis, in Irish communities worldwide; and they will continue to harness the goodwill of their 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 in August 2022. 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 Rose family." 

SUPPORT

The Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien has expressed sadness that the Rose of Tralee International Festival will not be taking place this year. 

“It is clear that every effort had been made by the hard-working committee behind the festival to do everything possible to host the event in 2021 but for very understandable reasons, this is not possible,” Cllr O’Brien said. 

“I know that those involved will redouble their efforts to stage the Rose of Tralee International Festival in 2022 and everyone in Tralee will be supporting them in that effort. At Municipal District level, we will be doing all we can to hold smaller events over the summer period in compliance with the public health guidelines. While these will not be a substitute for the Rose of Tralee, we hope we can make the most of the summer ahead to enjoy smaller family-type events as the pandemic situation improves,” he said.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen also expressed disappointment at the announcement today, saying:

“Kerry County Council and the Tralee Municipal District has been a proud supporter of the Rose of Tralee International Festival for many years. Sadly, again this year, because of the need to protect everyone from the Coronavirus large public events like this simply aren’t possible, particularly those which involve international travel.

“I know that all the people of Kerry will look forward, as I do, to the 2022 festival,” he said.