Escorts driven for Rose festival success

WHEN you’re sitting back watching the Rose of Tralee this year keep an eye out for three Northside men who will be accompanying the ladies as they chase this much coveted title.

David Branagan (Skerries), Daniel Lambert (Glasnevin) and Michael Murray (Navan Road) are among the group of 32 Irish lads who made it through the rigours of the Rose of Tralee Boot Camp for Escorts.

The lucky lads will spend a week as Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which takes place from August 15-19.

The Escorts spent 48 hours in West Kerry making black pudding in Annascaul, cleaning the vat in Dingle Distillery and swimming with the sharks at Dingle Oceanworld not because the ladies love Milk Tray but because the lads prefer Roses!

Rose of Tralee International Festival Communications Manager, John Drummey, said nearly 200 men, aged between 21 and 30, applied to become Escorts at this year’s festival.

“Following a detailed interview process, the final 32 were selected to take part in a Boot Camp weekend in west Kerry to help them prepare for a busy week in Tralee,

? said Mr Drummey.

This year’s Boot Camp activities were staged in Dingle where the lads had to surf, cycle, carry tyres, fly kites, play tag rugby and build sand castles in order to prove they will have the stamina to be a Rose Escort.

Oonagh Doyle of Newbridge Silverware said they were delighted to extend their lead sponsorship of the Rose of Tralee International Festival to the Escort of the Year.

“It is a natural fit for our brand since we continue to be associated with a host of Irish ambassadors,

? said Ms Doyle.

“We wish each individual Escort a most enjoyable and memorable festival experience.

?

On Monday, August 18, one of the 32 Escorts will be announced as the Newbridge Silverware Escort of the Year for 2014 and he will walk away with a wonderful prize valued at e5,000.

Reigning Escort of the Year, Jonny McGailey, said it was a great honour to win the award last year.

“The opportunity to represent a fantastic group and to accompany our Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, at numerous events has been a brilliant experience,

? he said.

Full details of the international roses, escorts and festival events are available from www.roseoftralee.ie, Facebook and Twitter @roseoftralee_