MARRIED and trans women and those aged 29 can now enter the Rose of Tralee Festival, organisers have announced.
The executive chair of the festival said rules of entry change every three to four years in order "keep abreast of what's happening in the world".
Anthony O'Gara said the festival was asked a few years ago to clarify that trans people could apply.
He said trans women have always been able to enter the festival but “we haven’t stated possibly strongly enough in the past”.
The annual festival, which sees women of Irish descent from all over the world compete for the Rose of Tralee title, also extended the age bracket to include those up to the age of 29.
Entrants previously had to be at least 18 and be under the age of 29.
“We’re confirming that married women can enter, and somebody who identifies as a woman, as a female would be very, very welcome to enter,” Mr O’Gara told Radio Kerry.
He said there is an age limit because it is a festival that "celebrates young women".
Mr O'Gara said that organisers are looking forward to welcoming contestants in 2022.
He said some of the competition may be held at Munster Technological University because it “would make more financial sense”.
