It seems married women will not be appearing in the Rose of Tralee any time soon. The boss of the festival rounded on its critics this week, branding them 'faux intellectuals'.

Anthony O'Gara addressed newspaper editors in an open letter saying the contest is not about 'colleens on parade' or 'flagrant misogyny'.

Today he has insisted it is an opportunity to have fun and create some tourism for the local economy.

And he says the age limit of 28 has changed in the past, and may change again - but he does not feel the same about the marriage issue.

Mr O'Gara has also hit out at those who claim the fact that this year's winning Rose is gay brought it into the 21st century.

He says there is no reason for people to knock the contest.