Cork men top the list for 2024 Rose of Tralee escorts

CORK men have topped the list of Rose escorts for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival with six making the cut to participate after a gruelling Rose escort bootcamp in Co Kerry.

The men, who already came through an interview process in May that saw hundreds apply for a chance to be part of this year’s festival in Tralee, had to conquer a number of team-building exercises and endurance challenges before they could graduate as one of the 32 official Rose escorts.

This year’s bootcamp was again supported by Kerry County Council who helped put together a packed programme of activities throughout the Kingdom of Kerry.

To prove they have the necessary stamina to take on the festival and a week with the Roses, the lads had to carry out a range of activities under the watchful eye of Sean O’Connor of Beachfit Games, featuring fence climbs, sledgehammers, tyre flips, and more before a cool-off session in Banna Strand.

Rose Escorts were also put through their paces by Kerry Fire and Rescue Service with fireman lessons and they also took part in a wellness and teambuilding session provided by the Ready Hub.

As escorts are expected to look dapper in a tuxedo at the drop of a hat, ironing skills were also put to the test at the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee as part of the weekend’s activities.

While the Rebel County has the highest representation with six Rose escorts, it is followed by Kerry, Dublin, and Limerick with three each while one man will travel all the way from Chicago.

A wide range of professions feature among the profiles of this year’s Rose escorts including a postman, a pilot, an aircraft engineer, a wedding DJ, and a youth justice worker.

The chosen men, aged from 21 to 30, will accompany the Roses in Tralee at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival from August 16 to August 20.

Benetti Menswear this year returns as partners and sponsors of the 2024 Rose escorts.

This year’s Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year will be announced live on stage on Monday, August 19 , in front of a packed Dome with hosts Daithí O’Sé and Kathryn Thomas.

Tickets for the live televised nights are on sale at www.roseoftralee.ie