Kathryn Thomas Calls Criticism of Rose of Tralee Boring and Lazy

Co-host The Irish Sun has dismissed criticism of the Rose of Tralee as outdated, branding such commentary lazy and boring ahead of the festival’s return on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Speaking at the August 2026 event launch, Thomas defended the contestants’ networking and travel opportunities while clarifying she has no role in judging.

Festival co-host Kathryn Thomas has hit back at critics who dismiss the traditional Kerry competition as an outdated beauty pageant, labeling the recurring commentary boring and lazy during the event’s official launch.

The annual event regularly draws skepticism from commentators who view the tournament as a lovely girls competition. But Thomas, who is preparing to present the RTÉ One programme for a fourth year alongside veteran co-host Dáithí Ó Sé, argued that observers should look closer at what the participating women actually achieve.

Challenging the ‘Lovely Girls’ Narrative on Stage

Rather than ignoring the persistent criticism, Thomas addressed it head-on from her very first year behind the presenter’s microphone.

The answers she received from the contestants fundamentally reshaped her understanding of why intelligent, career-driven women continue to apply. According to The Irish Sun, the competitors told her the platform provides invaluable professional networks and international connections.

“The answers I got were, ‘Why wouldn’t I want a network of women all over the world that are really well connected that might be able to open doors for me and help my career?’ Why wouldn’t I want to travel for free for a year? Why wouldn’t I want to do it with a gang of women who are great craic? That doesn’t sound old fashioned to me.”

Kathryn Thomas, Co-host, via RTÉ

The Atmosphere and Realities of Festival Week

Beyond career networking, Thomas emphasized the sheer energy of Rose week in Tralee, portraying a fast-paced environment where camaraderie supersedes any rigid pageant expectations. She noted that her co-host Dáithí Ó Sé frequently takes the mick out of her on stage, creating a lighthearted dynamic that keeps the live broadcast unpredictable and entertaining.

The broadcaster stressed that the women participating are best placed to judge whether the institution retains any modern cultural relevance. For Thomas, watching the contestants represent themselves brilliantly during the frantic week in County Kerry leaves little room for stale stereotypes.

Clarifying the Judging Process and the Co-Host’s Role

As the competition pulls in a massive television audience across RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, viewers occasionally wonder whether the prominent presenters wield behind-the-scenes influence over the final outcome. Thomas firmly debunked any notion that she shapes the results.

“People wonder if I’ve anything to do with it, but no, I don’t. I think what these women are doing is storytelling and that’s what we are there to facilitate. I don’t know what makes a winner and should never be put in that position because I love them all.”

Kathryn Thomas, Co-host, via RTÉ

Admitting that she would hate to sit on the official adjudication panel, Thomas defined her television mandate strictly around facilitation rather than evaluation. She views each contestant’s appearance on stage as a unique narrative exercise designed to let individual participants share their own journeys.