Rose' Pride As Autistic People Represented In Tralee

Speaking at the launch of the Rose of Tralee 2023, two autistic women have spoken of their delight at competing at this year's festival.

27 year old Charlotte Burton and 19 year old Molli-Ann O'Halloran are among 32 Roses competing at 2023's Rose of Tralee from Ireland and beyond.

The five day festival which begins this Friday (August 19), was launched at Dublin's Royal Hospital Kilmainham this morning, and is one of Ireland's longest running festivals.

Limerick Rose, Molli-Ann O'Halloran who works as an Irish Traditional singer at Bunratty Castle, spoke of her delight at competing at this year's festival.

"I think it's unreal that the Rose of Tralee has given me a platform to show that every single girl here is different and we're all different in our own ways and we're all very well able", she said at this morning's launch. "I've heard from a couple of people who had kids with autism and it's nice to be able to see that there are mams looking at you, saying 'my daughter could do that'". 

Ms Halloran met Charlotte Burton who is representing South Australia. Ms Burton spoke about overcoming personal barriers in her battle with autism, adding that she is also thrilled to be a contestant at this year's event, issuing a powerful message in the process.

Ms Burton who is also a multi-disciplinary artist from Adelaide, said, "I used to feel so ashamed and embarrassed of my disability but now I'm really proud to be able to represent my community". 

"I am representing the young girls out there with autism who may feel a bit weird, a bit unseen, and showing them that you really can achieve and feel included in whatever you want to do in life". 

Coming live from the Kerry Sports Academy at the Munster Technological University (MTU) on 21 and 22 August on RTÉ, hosts Daithi O'Sé and Kathryn Thomas will also make history as the first joint-presenters of the national broadcaster's coverage.