Cavanman named 2026 Rose Escort of the Year
Cavan man Gavin Brady has been named the 2026 Rose Escort of the Year after winning the vote of the 32 International Roses and their Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
The 26-year-old was surprised with the announcement live on RTÉ One tonight by Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé during the first night of the Rose of Tralee TV Show at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.
A “massively proud” Cavan man, Gavin has been escorting London Rose Ciara Fallon throughout this year’s festival. He is currently working as an undertaker, while studying to qualify as a solicitor. Gavin has a keen interest in politics and current affairs, while GAA is his biggest passion.
Speaking after being named Rose Escort of the Year, Gavin said: “This is probably the first time all week I’ve been speechless! We’ve had an absolute ball since the first day we went into the Tullamore Court for the Rose Escort interviews.
“This has been a great opportunity to meet lads and ladies from all over Ireland, and beyond. Once you’re out of school, out of college, and people are going in different directions; it’s much harder to meet new people and this has been a great opportunity to meet a new group.
“The most clichéd line ever, but I have friends for life here! It’s just been brilliant, my Rose Ciara is a lady and she’s made my experience all the more better.
“It means so much to represent this great group of lads, and the team. It’s a real honour to be recognised among your peers. Anyone who knows me knows I’m never lost for words, but this is humbling.”
The 32 Rose Escorts have been suited for the Festival by Benetti Menswear, with Gavin also receiving a prize valued at €1,000 from the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
More than 250 applications were received to become a Rose Escort for this year’s Festival. Following a detailed interview process, 32 were selected to take part in a Boot Camp Weekend in Kerry, preparing them for the packed programme of events during Festival week.
Applications to become a 2027 Rose Escort are now open, with full details available at roseoftralee.ie