Rose Of Tralee cancelled for second year running due to Covid-19 fears

"Last year was the first time in our history that the festival was postponed, and doing so again is difficult for everyone involved and of course for those supporters that look forward to celebrating our global Irish community each August, but we are confident it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well," Mr O'Gara said.

"Similarly, we will each have a role to play in restoring our community and local economy following this pandemic, and we look forward to coming together in celebration in August 2022."

The Rose of Tralee Festival is an international event held every August in the town of Tralee in Co. Kerry, during which a young woman is crowned as 'the Rose'.

It's been running officially since 1959 and is celebrated among Irish communities all over the world.

Limerick Rose Sinéad Flanagan won the 2019 edition of The Rose of Tralee (Twitter: The Rose of Tralee)

"It has been a long and difficult 15 months for so many as a result of Covid-19, and its impact continues to be felt worldwide," O'Gara added.

"The development, and the rollout of vaccines has brought much-needed hope that a return to normal is in sight.

"Sadly, the time-frame envisaged to safely steer our communities out of this pandemic, and our responsibility to positively support those efforts, mean that we will not be able to have a festival again this year, which is immensely disappointing for all of us involved."

Mr O'Gara stressed that despite the cancellation, his team would "continue to harness the goodwill of our extended Rose Family in supporting communities and charitable efforts over the next 12 months."