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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry museum receives donation of dresses worn by winning Rose of Tralee contestants
The collection of 45 dresses had previously been on loan to the County Museum in Tralee for many years, but this donation secures its future. Tralee Mayor Terry O'Brien will formally acknowledge the donation of the collection at the museum at 12pm on Monday, August 18. A spokesperson said the museum is delighted to accept the donation as the annual display of the dresses during July and August is one of its most popular exhibitions with visitors from all over the world. 'We are very thankful for the generosity of the Roses in donating the dresses that played such a meaningful part in their lives. The Rose of Tralee Festival has always been a significant event for the people of Kerry, and it is appropriate, therefore, that the dresses become part of the wider collection which is held in trust by the Museum for current and future generations in the county,' the spokesperson stated. The collection of dresses was assembled in 2009 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee Festival. The exhibition's creators, Oliver Hurley and Rebecca Kemp, went to great lengths to get quotes from each Rose about their memories of wearing their dresses, a feature that greatly enhances the display. Each Rose has vivid memories of her dress, and many describe how they felt wearing such beautiful creations, where and when they bought their dress, and some of the last-minute dramas when dresses needed fixing in a hurry before appearing on stage. In the following years the collection grew, and when not on display the dresses were carefully looked after by Anthony, Oonagh and Suzan O'Gara. In 2019 the Museum refreshed the look of the exhibition for the 60th anniversary of the festival, giving it the title: 'Gowns of Glory: Rose of Tralee Dresses Through the Decades'. There are now 45 dresses in the display, the oldest being that worn by the first Rose of Tralee, Alice O'Sullivan, and the newest worn by Keely O'Grady, the 2024 Rose. 'As we approach the seventieth anniversary of the Festival it is fitting that the dresses will have their permanent home in the Ashe Memorial Hall where it all started back in 1959,' the museum spokesperson said.
Irish Independent
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Excitement builds in Kerry ahead of Féile Thrá Lí Street Fest as part of the Rose of Tralee
Now in its third year, the vibrant festival will offer a packed programme of music, family entertainment, and community spirit, coinciding with the internationally acclaimed Rose of Tralee International Festival. Organised by Féile Thrá Lí CLG in collaboration with Kerry County Council, this year's festival will offer an array of free events for all ages – from daytime street performances and wellness zones to evening concerts, colourful parades, and dazzling fireworks. Festival highlights over the few days will include street theatre and busking throughout Tralee's streets and parks while a bustling market showcasing local crafts and artisan foods will also be on offer. Other daytime highlights include interactive family fun, including face painting, storytelling, and workshops. One the night falls, the town will transform with live music performances on stages at The Square, Denny Street, and the Mobile Stage. A series of parades, including a grand procession on Saturday night, a family-friendly Sunday parade, and a unique midnight spectacle on Tuesday as well as fireworks displays on Saturday, August 16, and Tuesday, August 19, are more things to look forward too also, A major draw will also be the chance to meet the Rose of Tralee contestants, adding to the festive excitement across town. Mayor of Tralee, Councillor Terry O'Brien, shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying: 'Féile Thrá Lí has established itself as the must-see annual event in Tralee and celebrates all that is good in our community. The event brings together families, friends, and visitors to celebrate the spirit of Tralee. This year's festival aims to be bigger and better than last year's event, with an exciting lineup of free entertainment for all. I encourage everyone to join us in Tralee for what promises to be an extraordinary event.' Tralee Municipal District Manager, Niamh O'Sullivan, echoed the excitement: 'The Féile Thrá Lí Street Festival is a wonderful representation of the diverse community and culture in Tralee. Kerry County Council are delighted to support this event, which showcases the best of our town and provides a platform for local talent and businesses. It's a wonderful time for the community to come together, make lasting memories, and delight in all that Féile Thrá Lí has to offer.' With something for everyone, Féile Thrá Lí 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and free entertainment. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to head to Tralee from August 15th to 19th and be part of the magic.
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Palestinian Ambassador visits Tralee and calls for immediate ceasefire in Palestine
The Ambassador met with members of the Tralee Municipal District at the Destination Town Gateway which lists the city of Beit Sahour in Palestine as having a sister city relationship with Tralee. Following a photograph at the Destination Gateway sign on the N86 road into Tralee, the Ambassador then attended a welcome event at Council Chambers hosted by the Tralee Municipal District. Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O'Brien said the gathering recognises the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, and the hope that through ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and goodwill, a just and lasting peace can be achieved in the region. 'We are truly grateful and proud to host this welcome, reflecting not only our commitment to international friendship and solidarity but also our deep respect for the rich history, culture, and aspirations of the Palestinian people,' said the Mayor. The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the solidarity shown by the people of Kerry and shared insights into the current situation in Palestine. 'Today marks a new chapter in the sister city relationship between Tralee and Beit Sahour. The Destination Gateway sign not only acknowledges the relationship between the two towns but also acts as a reminder of the strong ties between the people of Ireland and the people of Palestine,' said the Ambassador. She reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and told elected Tralee MD members and 'the people of Ireland' and 'the rest of the world' that this should happen.
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Should Kerry have a designated dog park? – ‘The land for this is sitting there'
Labour Party Councillor Terry O'Brien tabled a motion at the recent Tralee MD meeting calling for such a park to be established on a trial basis, confident that it would become popular with the public. He referenced how current bylaws already restrict dogs at certain beaches during designated times, while dogs are also being 'slightly restricted' in some public parks. Tralee Municipal Area recently acquired 42 acres of land that Cllr O'Brien believes a section of which should be cornered off and used as a dog park. 'We were told in the past this [park] isn't necessary. I disagree with that opinion. I think it's something we should be looking at as there is a huge amount of people with dogs,' he said. 'The land is sitting there. Why not make this park available. You would be very surprised – if people had a place to go with their dogs – how quickly it catches on,' Cllr O'Brien added. In its reply, Tralee MD management reaffirmed its policy that was agreed on at a November 2023 council meeting that dog parks are not warranted. It stated the matter would be reconsidered at the Environment, Climate Action, Marine and Emergency Planning SPC later in 2025. The council added that under the Section 9 (1)(c) of The Control of Dogs Act 1986, owners are required to keep 'dogs under effectual control' at all times, and that Kerry County Council Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána enforce the Act as authorised officers. However, Cllr O'Brien feels the approach is outdated and does not reflect the wider need for designated dog spaces. He intimated the council was behind the times as Ireland already has such parks that are often referred to as 'off-leash parks'. 'This is done nationally and internationally. All large towns and cities have these parks and I do think we're trailing behind. I know the SPC has said no, but we have a big area of land. Corner off a section and make a certain area available on a trial basis. You would be very surprised how it takes off,' he said. The motion was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Angie Baily.
