Protesters plan another Rose stunt

FATHERS FOR JUSTICE INVADED STAGE DURING LAST YEAR’S TV SHOW

THE controversial protest group Fathers4Justice – whose founder invaded the stage during the televised finals of last years Rose of Tralee – say they are planning another stunt protest at this year’s festival.

During the first of last year’s televised selection nights Matt O’Connor – whose family are originally from Sneem – invaded the stage while dressed as a priest.

The broadcast was suspended briefly as security guards wrestled Mr O’Connor to the ground and then hauled him from the festival Dome.

After the bizarre incident Matt O’Connor claimed his stage invasion was the first act in a new Irish campaign the UK based protest group were planning to launch.

British national O’Connor said this week that his organisation are planning another protest stunt during the festival in August.

He said this year’s protest would involve two female members of Fathers4Justice and that it would be both “peaceful” and Symbolic.

Mr O’Connor didn’t say if the group will attempt to invade the stage again.

After last year’s stage invasion The Rose of Tralee put improved security arrangements in place near the stage to avoid a repeat of the incident.

Given the additional security that will be in place for the two selection nights any stunt by Fathers4Justice is considered more likely to happen in the town centre rather than in the Festival Dome.

Rose of Tralee Spokesman John Drummey said the festival respects free speech and the right to protest once it is done in a peaceful and respectful manner.

“The Rose of Tralee International Festival does not publicise details of operational matters for security reasons, but the organisers are satisfied that adequate security measures exist in the Festival Dome,” he said.