Daithi O Se said the Rose of Tralee has to change if it wants to survive - as he backed the festival to go on for another 100 years.
For the first time in three years, the RTE Rose of Tralee International Festival is back in action, with 33 new International Roses ready to take to the live stage and screen next Monday and Tuesday night.
This year will mark Dáithí’s eleventh year presenting the show, and a huge year for the international festival as it marks the beginning of a new era with rule changes welcoming transgender applicants, those who are married, as well as increasing the age limit to 29.