The Rose of Tralee, one of Ireland’s longest running festivals and criticized by some as being outdated, crowned their first openly gay winner.
Maria Walsh, who was born in Boston, made the announcement in an interview in the Irish Sun Aug. 24.
The beauty pageant portion of the festival is an international event, attracting women from all over the world who share in celebrating their Irish heritage.
“My family and friends have been extremely supportive, my parents were very much about ensuring that their children are healthy and happy,” Walsh, 27, told the Irish Sun. She also noted she recently got out of a two-year relationship.
The presenter for the event this year, Dáithí Ó Sé, said the topic of Walsh’s sexuality never came up during the competition rounds, but he has spoken out in support of Walsh’s announcement.
