Search for Rose of Tralee escorts launched

THE man who won the Rose of Tralee escort of the year title last year revealed the secret of his success yesterday as the nationwide search for escorts for this year’s festival was launched.

Gearóid Corcoran, 23, said there was more to escorting a Rose than carrying their make-up.

“I was looking after Lisa Kavanagh from Waterford last year - a lovely girl,” he said.

“She lost her voice the second day and I bought her Strepsils. It’s things like that I think that helped me win.”

Gearóid, from Ballygarvan, Co Cork said: “It’s the most fun I’ve had. It’s great craic with the girls and the other 27 lads,” he said.

He was speaking in Dublin as Smart Telecom launched their search for Rose escorts yesterday.

Organisers said applicants must be single, outgoing, have a good sense of humour, know how to treat a lady well, and be available to travel to Tralee for the last week of August.

Applicants will be short-listed and invited to Dublin for an interview with a panel of judges.

The winner of this year’s escort of the year competition will receive a specially commissioned trophy, a cheque for €1,000 and a holiday voucher worth €1,000.

More than 400 entries were received for the competition last year.

Smart Telecom’s Rhona Bradshaw said she expected more applicants this year.

“The Smart Telecom escorts really do have the time of their lives at this event.

“It really is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is up for some fun and knows how to enjoy themselves.”

Escorts last year included a pharmacist, a farmer, a plumber, a physiotherapist, a woodwork instructor, a veterinary surgeon, an electrician, a pilot and a member of the Garda Síochána.

The Rose of Tralee Festival takes place from August 19-23.

Go to www.smarttelecom.ie for escort application forms. The closing date is June 3.