Three Tipperary men have been selected to be Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which celebrates 60 years from August 23-27.
Tipperary town farmer John Crowe (26), Thurles transport manager Eddie Hayes (24) and Cahir teacher Michael O'Connor (23) took park in the annual boot camp along the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry, after which 32 men were shortlisted to accompany the Roses at this year’s festival in Tralee.
The men, who already went through an interview process in April, had to pass several endurance tests and team-building exercises before they could graduate as fully-fledged Rose Escorts.
The men had to carry out a range of activities including a hike over Carrauntoohill, cliff diving, abseiling, cookery, swimming, kayaking, surfing, ironing and sewing in order to prove they will have the stamina to be a Rose Escort.
This year’s Rose Escort Boot Camp activities were supported by Kerry County Council, who played a major role in the transport and logistics of the event.
Looking ahead to the year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, one of the 32 men will be selected as the Rose Escort of the Year live on RTÉ One on August 26.
A full line-up of free family-fun entertainment is planned for the streets of Tralee with Aslan, The Hot House Flowers, Derek Ryan, three parades, two fireworks displays, an Adrenaline Stunt Show and much more.
The Festival Dome will play host to the Rose Ball, 80s Night with Abbaesque, Autumn Winter Fashion Show and the TV Rose selections on RTÉ with Dáithí Ó Sé.
Meet the Tipperary Rose Escorts
John Crowe works with Centenary-Thurles, where he spend his days on the road with farmers and at the weekend on the family dairy farm just outside Tipperary town. "Growing up on a farm, I’ve always had a love of animals. I spent four years in UCD studying Dairy Business where I learned a lot in classes and even more in Coppers. I’ve spent six months in New Zealand where I found a love of traveling, which has led me to America and across Europe inter-railing to name a few. I’m a full-time bench warmer with Arravale Rovers junior football team and gave rowing a go in college. I’m always up for a laugh, easy to get on with and love a good challenge," John says.
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Michael O'Connor