THE ROSE OF Tralee CEO has condemned the “racism and abuse” directed at Dublin Rose Saud Mooge since she won the Dublin title last week.

This week, 25-year-old medical scientist Mooge opened up about the online comments she has been receiving.

Speaking with Kieran Cuddihy on RTÉ Radio 1 Liveline on Monday, Mooge said she wasn’t surprised at the hateful comments, but didn’t expect so many of them.

“It’s just been a lot of ‘you’re not Irish’, and a lot of mentions about skin tone and religion,” she said. “I’m shocked, but I’m not surprised.”

Mooge said she knows she doesn’t need to prove her Irishness to the people joining the “hate train”.

Anthony O’Gara, Rose of Tralee International Festival CEO, said today that “there is no place for this behaviour, online or otherwise”.

“We unequivocally condemn the racism and abuse directed at Suad,” he said in a statement.

“No individual should be subjected to it, and we commend Suad for the dignity and strength she has shown.”

He said the festival is proud to have “such an accomplished woman represent Dublin at this year’s Festival”.

“The Festival wholeheartedly supports Suad and we look forward to welcoming her on her exciting journey to Tralee in August and indeed through the rest of her year as the Dublin Rose.”

“We will not be engaging further on this, nor amplifying commentary that seeks to misrepresent Suad or the Festival.”