Louth men wanted for Rose of Tralee Escorts
Extra prize announced for this year’s Rose Escort of the Year
The 5 May deadline is fast approaching for men aged between 21 and 31 from Louth to apply to take part in the Rose of Tralee International Festival and live TV show, with the the chance of becoming this year's Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year.
Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy was joined by past Rose Escorts James Geraghty, Sean Peyton, Henry Healy, Stephen O'Rourke, James McLaughlin and Alan Lagrue to announce that this year's “Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year” will win a €1,000 cash prize in addition to a €1,000 Benetti Menswear Voucher, as the search for this year's Rose Escorts ramps up.
“The Rose of Tralee Escorts are the 32 most envied men in Ireland every August, it’s probably the best job in the world”, according to Mark Irwin, the Rose of Tralee Rose Escort Co-ordinator.
Mark, who was a Rose Escort himself once upon a time has challenged the young men of Ireland to come forward and prove if they are man enough to be an Escort at the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Mark Irwin said: “Ireland’s most eligible single men between 21 and 31 years of age could enjoy a chance to become their county’s Rose Escort and secure a place at the now famous Rose Escorts Bootcamp Weekend.
"Once they have shown their mettle and proved their worth and stamina, the ultimate reward will be a week of fun in Tralee with the most charming and accomplished young women in Ireland – the 32 International Rose of Tralee contestants. The Bootcamp is a positive and essential part of the Rose Escort preparation process. It puts the lads under some pressure and teaches them teamwork and some discipline, all of which are qualities that are very much needed for Festival Week.”
Shane McHugh, the current Benetti Rose Escort of the Year, says there’s much more to it than just carrying handbags and lipstick for the Roses. He described his experience as a Rose Escort as being the highlight of his life to date:
“The friends I’ve made are for life, the memories will never dim and the laughs along the way are the loudest we will ever have. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!”
The primary role of a Rose Escort is to look after his Rose and ensure her time at the Festival is a memorable and enjoyable experience. The successful candidates will take part in a team-building Boot Camp in June at a stunning location in Kerry and participate in Festival events in August including the Gala Rose Ball, Rose Parades and five full days of entertainment.
In order to be eligible to be a Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival applicants must:
- Be male, 21 years of age by 1st January 2023 and not have reached your 32nd birthday on or prior to 1st September 2023
- Be unmarried or never been married
- Be born in Ireland or of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland
- Be available for Selection events and if selected be available for the International Festival events and live television show from 18th to 22nd August 2023 in Tralee.
One of the 32 Rose Escorts will be announced as the Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year live on RTE One television on Monday, August 21st.
Each candidate will be charged an application fee and should he be chosen as a Rose Escort, he will be required to obtain sponsorship.
A Rose Escort needs to wear a creaseless tux like you were born into it, but to be a great Escort you need to have the Bond swagger, the diplomatic touch – and critically at this event, an understanding of the timeless tradition that has stood to the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
If you know someone who may be interested in applying to be a Rose Escort, or if you meet the criteria and are interested in applying yourself, then please contact the Rose of Tralee International Festival Office on 066-7121322. Application forms are available from www.roseoftralee.ie.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms and the non-refundable application fee of €25 is Friday, 5th May, 2023.
Every year, considerable time is taken to select and induct the gentlemen in the duties and requirements of the Rose Escorts and this year’s selection process will take place at the end of May. Escorts must be between 21 and 31 years of age before the 1st September and once selected, each prospective Rose Escort must secure sponsorship of €1500 which covers the Rose Bootcamp, travel, accommodation and attire while in Tralee for the Festival.