Rose of Tralee review: Despite the shiny veneer, it still comes across like an expensive parish hall show

Not that we’re advocating any Mr Whippy-related donkey harassment, you understand. It is, however, an apt metaphor for the disconnect between how Kerry institution the Rose of Tralee (RTÉ1, Monday, August 19; Tuesday, August 20 and available on RTÉ player) — or as we call it in our house, ROT — wants to be perceived and the reality of what it is.

Now in its 65th year, the event, dreamt up by a group of Tralee businessmen as a way of boosting local tourism and persuading expats to return home after the ravages of postwar emigration, has come a long way since the first one, held on a budget of £750 in 1959.

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In fact, it’s come a long way since even the late 1970s, when Gay Byrne was the host. Back then, Gaybo, at his condescending “Well done, well done” worst,…

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Independent.ie