Lighten Up: Auld escorts for the Rose of Tralee

At this year's Rose of Tralee, if you spot any escort looking a little long in the tooth, or perhaps with no teeth at all, rest assured — they are the men recommended by our auld Lehane

My caller told me how hard it has been this year to find suitable escorts. 'Normally,' says he. 'We would have more escorts than The Rally of the Lakes, but not in 2026.'

I got a call the other night wondering if I might like to enter the Rose of Tralee.

Not as a contestant, mind, only as a chauffeur, or escort as they call them back in Kerry.