Kathryn Thomas will join Dáithí Ó Sé as co-host for the Rose of Tralee 2023, making the pair the first joint presenters of the festival.
Thirty-two Roses will represent the Irish diaspora worldwide this year from 'Rose centres' across Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
This year will mark Ó Sé's 12th year presenting the show, and new presenter Thomas can’t wait to join him onstage and meet this year’s international Roses.
She said: “I'm honoured and so excited to join Daithí and the team as co-host of this year's Rose of Tralee. The Festival has such an incredible legacy in Ireland and all around the world – no better way to celebrate such incredible women. I've grown up watching it each year, so it's very special to get the opportunity to present alongside Daithí. I can’t wait to get started. Tralee here we come!”
Ó Sé said: “I'm over the moon to be back presenting the Rose of Tralee for another year, and to welcome my wonderful new co-host Kathryn to the Rose of Tralee family! Kathryn and I have known and worked with each other for over two decades, so no doubt that there's plenty of craic in store. We can't wait to meet this year's incredible 32 Roses, and make our way to Tralee. Seo linn!”
The Rose of Tralee will be available to watch for free by audiences in Ireland and around the world on RTÉ Player.
Anthony O’Gara, executive chairman of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kathryn to the Rose Family. We’ve had many ‘firsts’ over the years, and joint presenters for Rose Selection will bring another level of excitement to the proceedings.
"Kathryn is in the very best of company with our esteemed colleague Daithí, who is a great ambassador for the Festival, and we look forward to seeing what they both have in store for this year’s show.”
The Rose of Tralee International Festival returns for its 62nd festival from August 18th to 22nd and will be live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
