THE Rose of Tralee was marred by controversy yesterday evening when a protester invaded the stage during the Cavan Rose's interview.
The founder of the British-based Fathers for Justice group, Matt O'Connor, ran on the stage leaving host Dáithí Ó Sé perplexed and the Cavan Rose Lisa Reilly - representing her county in the final for the first time in eight years - confused.
Dressed as a priest, Mr O'Connor shouted "Fathers for justice" and urged support for all fathers denied access to their children.
Living in London, O'Connor is second generation Irish - his father was originally from Sneem in Co. Kerry.
TV coverage then cut away to a break while security intervened.
Someone just stormed the Rose of Tralee stage. #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/dhHW8se2Ux
— Laura Holland (@laurholland) August 22, 2016
In a statement the organisers of the Rose of Tralee played down the incident, saying the stage invasion was handled well.
A spokesperson said: "Organisers of the Rose of Tralee International Festival are satisfied that adequate security measures are in place in the Festival Dome.
"A man in the audience walked onto the stage while the Cavan Rose was being interviewed by Dáithí Ó Sé.
"The man, who had purchased a ticket, was immediately removed from the stage by security personnel before being taken away by gardaí.
"The show resumed after a short break."
See More: Cavan Rose, Fathers For Justice, Featured
