The 2016 Travelling Rose has said many Traveller women lack the confidence to enter competitions such as the Rose of Tralee.
In an interview with Radio Kerry on Wednesday, Sammy McCarthy (16) said many Traveller girls would not feel like they were able to "blend in" due to the qualifications and jobs other contestants may hold.
“They might feel like they’re not good enough and they don’t have the support. They’d feel left out. It would be really nice if they did have the support though, it might inspire more people to do it,” she said.
"It felt great winning the Travelling Rose 2016, I wasn't expecting it at all. I'd love to enter the Rose of Tralee when I'm 18."
The Travelling Rose event took place at the beginning of August in Listowel, Co Kerry.
John Drummey, a spokesman for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, said they welcome representatives from the Travelling community.
“Travellers have entered in the past, they’re entering at present and they’re welcome to enter in the future if they wish, once they’re within the age group,” he said. “Everybody is judged fairly. Travellers are very confident people generally, I find.”
However, Brigid Quilligan, project manager for the Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project, said the competition still has to do more to ensure the Travelling community feels welcome.
“It’s not just a confidence issue, it’s a logistical issue as well,” she said. “If you’re part of the Travelling community, sadly you may be prevented from entering certain vicinities.”
A statement from the project said it had come to their attention that during the Travelling Rose 2016 weekend, many Listowel businesses hired extra security, and in some cases, closed for the duration of the competition.
“The biggest barrier for these girls is not feeling equal,” said Ms Quilligan. “It’s about making the Rose of Tralee more accessible to everyone.”