Irish rugby star, Ronan O'Gara has reportedly agreed to become Newbridge Silverware's representative on the 2011 'Rose of Tralee's judging panel.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, he said: "My wife slags me a lot about it but I'd be glued to the Rose of Tralee every year.
"I'm a traditionalist. Some people think its cheesy or whatever. I'd be very proud of being Irish and it's nice to see the amusement and the enjoyment so many families get out of the whole programme."
O'Gara will perform a series of special Rose of Tralee festival duties and appearances on behalf of the lead sponsor, including the regional finals in Portlaoise in June.
However, there is the issue of the Rugby World Cup which starts in New Zealand on 9 September and schedule permitting, he will line out on the judging panel in Tralee in mid-August.
He added: "I'm hoping to be at the main event. That's what I'm focusing on.
"Obviously rugby is my primary focus and you would not know if that is a rest period or a period of intense training and that will dictate my availability."
Meanwhile, details of the remaining four judges will be announced in advance of this year's festival, which runs from 19 to 23 August 2011.
