Rose of Tralee Escorts – Apply Now!

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ROSE of Tralee, Dr Jennifer Byrne and the Rose Escort of the Year, Thomas Lynch have challenged young Irish men to see if they have what it takes to be a Rose Escort at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival from 17-21 August 2018.

“Why should someone apply? Because it’s such a once in a lifetime, bucket list item!! You meet so many people through the Festival, that the benefit of getting involved isn’t the week-long festival, it’s the year after, and from what I can see from previous Rose Escorts, it’s the years after that too,” said the 2017 Rose Escort of the Year, Thomas Lynch.
March 20th is the entry deadline, so lads will have one month to apply at www.roseoftralee.ie/apply.

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.
Interviews will take place at the Glen Royal Hotel and Leisure Club in Maynooth in April, while the successful candidates will take part in a team-building Boot Camp in June at some of Kerry’s most stunning locations. The Rose Escorts will then participate in a range of Festival events in August including the Gala Rose Ball, three Parades and a week packed full of entertainment.

The Rose of Tralee, Dr Jennifer Byrne, said: “The overall experience of the Rose of Tralee for me and the other Roses was all the richer thanks to the laughter and energy that the Rose Escorts brought to the event. We value their support and companionship during the very busy week. Having the time of their lives is guaranteed and the friendships made during the Festival are lasting.”

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 2018 and not have reached your 31st birthday on or prior to 1st September 2018
•    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 from 15th to 21st August 2018 in Tralee.
One of the gentlemen will be announced by Dáithí Ó Sé as the Rose Escort of the Year live on RTÉ television on Monday 20th August 2018.

The 2017 Rose Escort of the Year, Thomas Lynch from Castleisland, Co Kerry, said: “Being from Kerry, I was always a huge fan of the Festival. I grew up watching the parades, going to the Town Park and enjoying the selections on TV, so when a friend of mine suggested I sign up to be Rose Escort, it was really a no-brainer. It’s such a fantastic week with so much packed in it’s hard to choose highlights. There are three key moments that stick out: 1) Seeing my Rose’s awe at the huge crowd at the Saturday parade; 2) Sitting on the float with Jenny at the Midnight Madness Parade; and 3) Seeing how happy my mother was when I was announced as the Rose Escort of the Year.”
Each candidate will be charged an application fee and should he be chosen as a Rose Escort, he will be required to obtain sponsorship of €1500.

Lads who are man enough to apply for the job of a lifetime as a Rose of Tralee Escort can do so online www.roseoftralee.ie/apply before Tuesday 20th March or email admin@roseoftralee.ie for more information.

Pictured: Listowel Native Shane Thornton one of the many 2017 Rose Of Tralee Escorts. www.deniswalshphotography.com – 087-6017694