Reigning Rose of Tralee from Midlands urges RTE viewers to "be kind"

The current Rose of Tralee, Rachel Duffy from Westmeath, has urged viewers of the contest on RTE TV to "be kind". 

In a post on Instagram, Rachel said the contestants are "acting as role models, supporting charity, cultural and social organisations and are very bravely putting themselves on live television for your entertainment."

She added: "Enjoy it and be kind." 

The Rose of Tralee competition has introduced new rules to become a more "diverse and inclusive" festival by allowing married women to enter as well as transgender women.

The maximum age for entries was also raised to 29.

The roses will be introduced on stage by Dáithí  Ó Sé and - new co-presenter Kathryn Thomas - on RTÉ One TV and on RTÉ Player this evening and tomorrow evening.