Culture
28 Aug 18

Garda Inquiry Into Alleged Racial Abuse Of Rose of Tralee Winner

Rose of Tralee 2018 winner Kirsten Mate Maher

Garda are investigating claims that the new Rose of Tralee winner, Kirsten Mate Maher was racially abused during a night out in Kilkenny.

It's alleged that the 21-year-old, who made history by becoming the first Irish woman with an African background to be crowned the winner of the Rose of Tralee competition, was racially abused by two men in a chip shop on John Street in Kilkenny, shortly before 3am on Saturday night last.

Ireland AM Friday morning ! 🌹 Thank you Pamela Scott in Tralee for sponsoring this beautiful dress @pamelascott_fashion

A post shared by International Rose of Tralee (@kirstenmatemaher) on Aug 25, 2018 at 10:32am PDT

It's understood that Kirsten Mate Maher was originally racially abused by one man but then when her boyfriend urged him to stop his attack, a second man suddenly started to subject her to vile abuse too.

Garda were called to the scene and statements were taken. It's unclear at this time if two men will be prosecuted.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai in Kilkenny are aware of an alleged incident that occurred in a fast food restaurant on John Street, Kilkenny on Sunday the 26th of August 2018 at approx. 3am. Enquires are ongoing.”

One eye-witness told KCLR Radio that he witnessed Kirsten crying in the queue. Kristen confirmed to KCLR Radio that incident took place, saying that she was leaving the matter in the hands of the Garda.

One of Kristen's close friends is reported in this morning's Sun newspaper as saying: “Kirsten was quite upset this morning about what happened. It wouldn’t be unusual for someone of colour or mixed race to have comments made late at night but this was particularly upsetting. Who wouldn’t be upset by something like that?"

The incident has been described as "absolutely scandalous" by Waterford councillor John Hearne.

“If the allegations are true it’s absolutely scandalous. We’re very proud of Kirsten’s achievement," Sinn Féin councillor John Hearne told the Irish Daily Mirror.

"We’re thrilled that she won the Rose of Tralee and it’s scandalous that could have happened to a girl who’s a great ambassador for Waterford and the festival.

“For her to be the first African-Irish woman to win the Rose of Tralee was wonderful. And we’re absolutely disgusted that anybody would treat Kirsten like this and pass those sort of comments."

A spokesperson for the Rose of Tralee competition said: “Regrettably, Kirsten has been subjected to racial abuse from people in the past and it is something that she and many others in Ireland have to deal with on a regular basis.

“As the Rose of Tralee, Kirsten intends to highlight the fact that society in Ireland is becoming more diverse and that there is no place for racism.”

Kristen, who is the third woman of mixed heritage to win the competition, has said that she didn't want the focus to be on the fact that she's half-Zambian.

“Ireland has changed so much and it’s so much more accepting. We’re all mixed and we’re all from different parts of the world. I know it’s a little bit more obvious with myself – I’ve curly hair and darker skin," she said.

“But at the end of the day we need to see past that and realise there is no typical Irish woman.

“We’re all different and we all come in all shapes and sizes and skin colours and hair and freckles/no freckles. We’re such a diverse community, and we need to embrace that.”

After being crowned winner, Kirsten Mate Maher took to Instagram, writing: "I am stunned. It is hard to describe how I feel this morning but I am bursting with pride. To my 56 Rose Sisters all I can say is I love each and every one of you. You truly are a fantastic bunch of women. You have all done yourselves, familys, friends and Counties/Countries/Cities proud. We have all gotten to know each other so well, each and everyone of you has inspired me in some sort of way. I am incredibly proud to represent the Class of 2018."

She added: "To my Rose Centre, family, friends my amazing boyfriend @cian.omahony to the entire team of volenteers that make the festival happen each year, to the people of Waterford and the fantastic and welcoming people of Kerry THANK YOU. I hope I do you all proud. This experience has been magical for all 57 of us Roses and our families. Bring on the year ahead."