Anthony O'Gara, the CEO of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, has responded to the racist abuse being directed at this year's Dublin Rose, Suad Mooge.

Mooge, who was born in Co Sligo and raised in Dublin, was crowned the Dublin Rose earlier this month. The scientist and athlete has since been subject to racist abuse, with some claiming that she is "not Irish."

The entry rules for the Rose of Tralee Festival dictate that an applicant "be born in Ireland," "be an Irish citizen," or "be of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland."

As such, it is common for Roses to participate in the Festival who were not born in Ireland or have never even visited Ireland before the event. However, unlike Sooge, such Roses were generally not targeted as viciously as she has been.

Sooge has taken the criticism in stride, even laughing the comments off in some humorous TikToks.

@sucaaadd

Dublin to Hanoi. First class if we can please 🥹🩷

♬ hard times - mette

However, now Anthony O'Gara, CEO of the Rose of Tralee, has had his say on the matter.

"Suad Mooge is the 2026 Dublin Rose, chosen by her community from an exceptional group of thirty-eight women, and a worthy and popular winner," O'Gara said in a statement shared on the Festival's social media pages on Thursday.

"We are proud to have such an accomplished woman represent Dublin at this year’s Festival.

"The Rose of Tralee International Festival celebrates Irish women from every background, culture, and community, at home and around the world. That has always been at the heart of the Festival and remains central to who we are today.

"We unequivocally condemn the racism and abuse directed at Suad. There is no place for this behaviour, online or otherwise. No individual should be subjected to it, and we commend Suad for the dignity and strength she has shown.

"The Festival wholeheartedly supports Suad and we look forward to welcoming her on her exciting journey to Tralee in August and indeed through the rest of her year as the Dublin Rose."

O'Gara added: "We will not be engaging further on this, nor amplifying commentary that seeks to misrepresent Suad or the Festival."

Read more

O'Gara's statement comes the day after Mooge issued her own statement on social media, saying in part: "I look forward to showcasing my unique Irish story, and my pride in being a young Irishwoman of Somalian ethnicity."

She added: "I am confident that many of the people who might feel unhappy or concerned as a result of inaccurate or hateful commentary will soften as people see me as the happy proud Irishwoman that I am."

Related: Dublin