The Rose of Tralee International Festival returned to our screens on Monday night and continued into Tuesday night, captivating audiences across Ireland and beyond. On Tuesday night, the New Zealand Rose, Keely O’Grady, was crowned the 2024 Rose of Tralee, a moment that resonated with viewers both at home and abroad.
The crowning of the 2024 International Rose of Tralee drew a peak of 599,100 viewers on RTÉ One, highlighting the enduring appeal of this long-standing tradition. On Tuesday night, an average audience of 543,000 watched the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2024 after the Nine O’Clock News on RTÉ One, underscoring the event's continued popularity. Across the two days of the festival, an average audience of 412,900 tuned in on RTÉ One, showcasing the broad reach of the festival.
The Rose of Tralee continues to attract younger audiences, with 60% of viewers aged 15 – 34 tuning in on Tuesday night, proving the event's relevance to a new generation. RTÉ Player has 177,000 total streams to date, with viewers tuning in from Ireland and 81 countries around the world, including Europe, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Japan, and more, demonstrating the global appeal of the event.
On social media, @rteone Rose of Tralee’s content has over 5.11 million views across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, and over 504k engagements, highlighting the festival's powerful digital presence.
The 2024 Rose, Keely O’Grady, a 21-year-old Speech and Language Therapy student at Canterbury University, expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating “I’m shaking so much right now,” when announced as the winner. “What I’m most looking forward to is doing this for my country. As someone from New Zealand, we’ve only had two New Zealand Roses, the last time was in 1988, so it does really mean a lot to me,” she added.
Keely O’Grady, the third New Zealand Rose to be crowned, has a deep connection to both her Irish heritage and Kiwi roots. “It's harder in New Zealand to stay connected with your Irish culture and your Irish heritage, we're so far away on the other side of the world, and for me, that half of my Irish family, and it's something that you have to actively go out and seek to connect with,” she explained, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage.
She described the Rose of Tralee as a “beauty pageant that’s not about beauty” but about “ambitions, aspirations, self-worth and talent”, emphasizing the broader values the event embodies. “It's about the strength of woman, and it's about celebrating a shared culture, connection and heritage that we all have, all the girls that enter the competition,” she elaborated, capturing the spirit of the festival.
Keely O’Grady’s journey to the Rose of Tralee crown is a testament to her dedication, passion, and talent. She hopes to use her platform to advocate for people’s rights and make a positive mark on people’s lives. Her story, along with the success of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, exemplifies the enduring power of cultural celebrations and the impact they have on individuals and communities across the globe.
Keely O'Grady's Triumph and the Rose of Tralee's Legacy
Keely O’Grady’s victory signifies the growing international reach of the Rose of Tralee. The festival's ability to connect with diverse audiences, both in Ireland and around the world, is a testament to its enduring appeal and its relevance in the modern era. The event continues to evolve, embracing new platforms and technologies, while preserving its core values of celebrating Irish culture, heritage, and female empowerment.
The Rose of Tralee: A Cultural Icon
The Rose of Tralee has become a cherished cultural icon in Ireland and beyond, capturing the hearts and imaginations of millions over the years. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of Irish culture, its ability to adapt and evolve, and its capacity to connect people across continents. Keely O'Grady's victory, along with the festival's enduring popularity, reinforces the importance of cultural celebrations and their role in fostering understanding, connection, and shared experiences.
The Future of the Rose of Tralee
The Rose of Tralee has consistently adapted to changing times, proving its resilience and relevance in a constantly evolving world. As the festival continues to grow, it will undoubtedly embrace new technologies, platforms, and formats to further engage audiences and celebrate Irish culture in new and innovative ways. Keely O’Grady's reign as the 2024 Rose of Tralee promises to be an exciting chapter in the festival’s rich history, and her journey is sure to inspire viewers for years to come.
