ROSE OF TRALEE IN ‘RACE ABUSE’ HELL
Garda probe after Kirsten and boyfriend allegedly targeted
ROSE of Tralee Kirsten Mate Maher has allegedly been targeted by racist thugs, it emerged yesterday.
Gardai launched a probe after claims the 21-year-old and her boyfriend were verbally abused in Kilkenny at 3am on Sunday.
Councillor John Hearne said: “If these allegations are true it’s scandalous. We’re
very proud of Kirsten’s achievement. We’re thrilled 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.
“We’re absolutely disgusted that anybody would treat Kirsten like this and pass those sort of comments. And not just against her but that anybody would address any person like that.”
The incident allegedly took place on John Street. It is understood the Waterford Rose and her boyfriend had stopped at a fast-food outlet on their way home from a night out socialising.
One of the men allegedly began abusing her and when her boyfriend urged him to stop a second man is said to have become involved.
A short time later gardai were called and witness statements were taken but it was not clear last night if any charges will follow.
Steve Cronly of the Rose of Tralee festival committee told RTE News they are aware of the incident.
He insisted Ms Maher would not be commenting.