The executive chair of the Rose of Tralee festival has said that the event would 'welcome' anyone who identifies as a woman for the 2022 edition.
The iconic competition hasn't taken place in the last two years due to Covid and executive chair Anthony O'Gara confirmed a number of rule changes to Radio Kerry.
He said: "We're extending the age up to 29 now. We're confirming that married women can enter, as can somebody who identifies as a female will be welcome to enter.
"That has been the case but perhaps we haven't stated it strongly enough in the past but we want to confirm that."
However, Mr O'Gara added that the famous dome in the Kerry town will not feature in 2022.
For next year's Rose of Tralee International Festival, the televised selections could be held at the Munster Technological University instead of the Dome marquee.
Mr O'Gara also confirmed there is interest from organisers in holding selection events around both Kerry and the rest of Ireland.
Earlier this year, host of the festival Daithí O'Sé defended it from critics.
The presenter said: "We did a look back of my 10 years as host last year and you talk to the people of Tralee, what it means to them.
“Then there’s the economic side, it’s worth €10million a year to the town.
“For people who don’t like it, there’s nothing I’m going to say after 10 years hosting it at this stage that is going to change their mind.
“I won’t waste my time or their time.”
And the proud host said he doesn’t listen to the critics.
He added: “I wouldn’t be bothered entertaining negativity, there’s so much begrudgery in the world at the moment with the whole pandemic."
