The Rose Escorts, aged between 21 to 32, were put through their paces in the gruelling three-day training camp in Kerry before they are given the care of their 'Roses' at the festival taking place in Tralee in August.
While hundreds applied to be a Rose Escort, only 32 were chosen and each paid €2,000 for the privilege. However, the payoff could last a lifetime as former escort John Slowey proved when he married his Rose Maggie McEldowney in May this year.
The Rose of Tralee power couple first met nine years ago at the festival when she competed as the Chicago Rose (and won) and he acted as her escort, showing that being a Rose Escort could find you true love.
The successful escort applicants hailed from all around the country and boast varied careers from teachers to radiographers, farmers, and even a Forbes 30-under-30-featured businessman.
The men will be on hand in Tralee this August 15 until 19 to help the Roses shine but first they were put through their paces as the bootcamp kicked off at the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee.
Rose of Tralee Escort 2025 bootcamp.
The jam-packed bootcamp itinerary kicked off with a hike up Mount Brandon before a re-fuelling pit stop at Paudie O’Sé’s legendary pub and a visit to the local Dingle Distillery, followed by a boat tour around Dingle Bay, finished off with a BBQ and sing-along session at Paul Geaney’s pub.
Just like at the festival, there was no hope of a lie-in the next morning as the escorts were put through their paces with a jog and bracing dip at Banna Strand, before a hands-on training session with Kerry Fire and Rescue Service – because a Rose Escort must always be ready to leap into action (or at least help carry the Roses' bags).
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Steve Cronly, Director of Operations, Rose of Tralee International Festival, said: "Bootcamp is where the mettle of our Rose Escorts is forged. When you’ve hiked Mount Brandon in sideways rain and still found the breath to belt out a tune in Dingle, you know you’re ready to keep the show on the road.
"The Escorts are the quiet engine behind the Festival. From a last-second dash for safety pins to calming backstage nerves, they make sure every Rose can focus on having an amazing experience.
Rose of Tralee Escort 2025 bootcamp.
"This year’s team reflects the vibrancy of modern Ireland, with teachers, farmers, radiographers and entrepreneurs. Their mix of skills and personalities mirrors the global Irish community that gathers in Tralee every year, and we can't wait to welcome everyone to the Festival in August."
Meanwhile, the reigning Rose Escort of the Year, Barry Lysaght, returned to inspire the new recruits, saying: "The Bootcamp is where it all starts. It’s where the friendships are made, and the nerves get shaken off. Tralee in August is like nothing else, and these lads are in for the experience of a lifetime."
The 2025 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 15 to 19 in Tralee, Co Kerry and will be broadcast on RTE with hosts Daithí O’Sé and Kathryn Thomas. The Rose Escort of the Year will be announced live on stage on Monday, 18th August.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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