There’s a lot of love for the Sydney Rose after her powerful statement on last night’s Rose Of Tralee

The Rose Of Tralee has had its share of unforgettable moments on stage over the years - but the first night of the 2016 bash has set a new record for WTF-watercooler chat-moments.

The big talking point from the first night at the Dome in Kerry is, of course, the Fathers4Justice protestor that stormed the stage during the interview with the Cavan Rose. But the moment that has struck the deepest chord with Irish viewers was the interview with the Sydney Rose, Brianna Parkins. Parkins works as a journalist with the ABC network in Australia, and used her time on stage to speak about a host of women’s issues, including cuts to domestic violence charity funding in her native country. https://twitter.com/RoseofTralee_/status/767847856208244736

"It's just not on, and I think we can do better," she told host Daithi O'Se. "And I think we can do better in Ireland, I think it’s time to give women a say over their reproductive rights. I'd love to see a referendum coming up on the 8th [Amendment] sometime soon, that'd be my dream."

You can watch a clip of the interview below - however, quite a few people on social media are advising to watch it quick, as RTE may feel pressure to erase the comments from the online playback due to its strict rules about impartiality on social and political issues. https://twitter.com/groovybernie/status/767854478779383808 Brianna reiterated her support for the Repeal The 8th movement by posting this image on Twitter last night wearing a Repeal t-shirt. https://twitter.com/parkinsbrea/status/767887166563319808 There's been a huge reaction on social media to Parkins' rallying call. https://twitter.com/TheresaNewIdea/status/767851865023340544 https://twitter.com/roisiningle/status/767849893016834070 https://twitter.com/CBumble/status/767847387872321536 https://twitter.com/Rachelagain/status/767867136769396736 https://twitter.com/AndreaKissane/status/767859885044277248 https://twitter.com/oisinlangan/status/767852355777888261 https://twitter.com/niamhsquared/status/767850062944796673 https://twitter.com/griffski/status/767848620607627265 https://twitter.com/bfergusonkf/status/767846889484087296