Seven budding escorts set for Rose of Tralee

When the spotlight falls on the 32 Roses selected for this year's televised stages of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, another remarkable story will be unfolding behind the scenes.

Almost one-fifth of the coveted Rose Escort positions have been secured by young men from Cavan and Monaghan - an incredible achievement in a competition that attracts hundreds of applicants from right across Ireland.

Seven local men have earned places among the group entrusted with accompanying and supporting the Roses throughout one of Ireland's best-known cultural celebrations.

Representing the two counties are Oisín Kiernan of Ballymachugh, Conor Smith of Lavey, Gavin Brady of Redhills/Belturbet, Enda Shalvey of Maudabawn, Dave McKearney of Castleblayney, Shane McKenna of Truagh, and Shane Treanor from Scotstown.

The Celt met six of the successful candidates at The Olde Post Inn in Cloverhill last week as anticipation builds ahead of their August adventure. In representing counties Cavan and Monaghan they'll be in Tralee alongside actual Roses - Gráinne Burns, who will wear the sash for Cavan, and Monaghan's Leah Murphy.

Word spreads

For Ballymachugh native Oisín Kiernan (26), a secondary school teacher at Our Lady's Bower in Athlone, his selection has already become a talking point among colleagues and students.

A talented sportsman who plays rugby with Virginia RFC and has previously lined out for Ulster, Armagh and Buccaneers RFC Athlone, Oisín says news of his success travelled fast.

“Some thought it was Love Island I was going on,” he laughs. “Another rumour was that I was going for Room to Improve. There's been a bit of slagging and joking during the last few weeks of school.”

Sponsored by Crover House Hotel, Oisín says the experience has already exceeded expectations, beginning with a recent Rose Escort Boot Camp in Kerry.

“It was only when we were chatting in Páidi Ó Sé's pub that we realised how much we all had in common. Different stories, different journeys, but everyone the same in their own way.”

Instant Bonds

For Conor Smith (21) of Lavey, a Social Care student at Atlantic Technological University Sligo and goalkeeper with Lavey GAA, boot camp proved an eye-opening introduction to the role.

The son of former Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council Val Smith, who is also his sponsor through Val's Pit Stop, admits there were “nerves” before travelling to Kerry.

One unusual feature quickly helped break down barriers: organisers confiscated mobile phones and smart devices.

“It worked out brilliantly because we didn't really have a choice but to talk to one another. There were no distractions.”

The digital detox accelerated friendships among the group.

“We connected way more because of that,” adds Enda Shalvey.

Finding Friendships

Gavin Brady (25), who lives between Redhills and Belturbet, says the social aspect and opportunity to make new friends were among the main reasons he applied.

A part-time undertaker studying for the Law Society's entrance examinations, Gavin believes many young adults face challenges building friendships in modern Ireland.

“When you're living in rural Ireland, if the lads haven't moved away to Australia or Canada, and if you're not heavily involved in a local GAA team, there can be very little to do,” says Gavin, who is sponsored by The Olde Post Inn.

“It's almost impossible to make new friends in your twenties, so I thought this was a fantastic opportunity because everyone there obviously wants to be there.

“After one weekend, we all know each other now. Seven of us come from within about 20 miles of one another, and yet we probably wouldn't have met through anything else.”

'Absolutely Massive'

At 29, Enda Shalvey from Maudabawn is among the older members of the group, though still comfortably within the festival's age criteria of 21 to 31.

The Sales Manager with ABP Food Group - also his sponsor - balances his c areer with hurling for Cavan and football for Drumgoon.

Yet becoming a Rose Escort was seen as unfinished business.

“I wanted to do something for myself,” he explains. “It's still a team environment, but it's different. You really feel that, and there are 31 other fellas doing exactly the same thing.”

What surprised him most was the scale of the festival.

“We have a very sheltered view of it up here. What we see is what's shown on television. But when you go down there, you realise it's absolutely massive.”

More than a TV Show

That sentiment is echoed throughout the group.

The journey begins before the cameras roll. Escorts arrive on Wednesday evening before meeting the Roses the following day during a specially designed three-course dinner. Escorts rotate tables between courses, creating opportunities to meet as many Roses as possible.

Starter with one Rose, dessert with another, and conversations throughout the evening help organisers determine suitable pairings.

For the Roses, many of whom have already spent days travelling around Ireland, these first introductions mark the beginning of relationships with the men who will become companions, organisers, supporters and confidants during one of the busiest weeks of their lives.

“The Roses are really centre stage, and they're the most important part of the week. But we're still involved in something being watched by millions of people,” admits Conor. “I suppose that didn't really dawn on me until after the interview. Neither did the responsibility that comes with being an Escort.”

Role behind the Rose

Behind the smiles and television glamour lies a role far more demanding than many might realise.

Prospective Escorts face extensive interviews before earning an invitation to boot camp, where organisers assess key intangibles such as teamwork, communication, reliability and character.

For Shane McKenna (26), a primary school teacher at St Tiarnach’s NS in Clones and sponsored by Errigal Contracts, the reality came as a surprise.

“I honestly thought you'd just turn up and that was it,” he admits. “But when you actually see what's involved, you realise the amount of work that goes into everything behind the scenes, and everything to ensure the Roses themselves have a great experience.”

Living Legacy

It also struck the group the realisation that they are about to become part of a tradition woven into Irish life for generations.

Stories linking families, communities and former participants seem to emerge everywhere.

While attending a recent funeral, Gavin discovered that a relative of the deceased had been the Cavan Rose in 1987.

Remarkably, she is related to Oisín.

“It's incredible,” Gavin reflects. “For many people the Rose of Tralee just exists on television, but it has connections right across Ireland and around the world.”

“You can see how much the festival values the Escorts,” says Shane McKenna (26). “It's a celebration of Irish culture and there aren't too many festivals that celebrate it in quite the same way.”

Local Backing

Every Escort has been supported by a local sponsor whose backing helps make participation possible.

For Castleblayney man Dave McKearney (28), sponsorship from The Nestbox carries special significance.

“It was actually my first job coming out of college,” he explains. “I'm very grateful for the sponsorship I've received and hopefully I can do them proud.”

Support extends beyond sponsors too.

Dave recently received a message from a former Escort after news of his selection became public.

“He just reached out to say I'm in for a ball,” Dave laughs. “Even lads who did it years ago still come back with best wishes for the new group. It's nice, even at this stage, to feel part of something bigger.”

Ready for Tralee

Many of the men admit that friends who initially mocked their applications have become increasingly curious.

“The lads who were slagging you for putting your name forward are now looking at you being selected,” Gavin grins. “After the weekend we all just had, and the stories, I'd say a few of them are sizing themselves up for next year.”

While the Roses will remain the stars of the show, the seven men from Cavan and Monaghan know they are about to step onto one of the biggest stages in Irish cultural life.

“We're one big team now,” acknowledges Shane T, a dairy farmer and qualified mechanic who is sponsored by Paul Meehan Agri, Jack's Bar in Tydavnet, Murphy Agri and GS Contracts.

“We're a cog in the wheel, honestly a small part, but it's still something special- really cool to be part of,” he says. “Once you see it up close, you realise just how big it all really is.”