Cavan man ‘left speechless’ after being named Rose of Tralee escort of the year

Gavin Brady, who is escorting London Rose Ciara Fallon, was chosen from 32 escorts taking part in this year’s festival

Cavan man Gavin Brady has been named the 2026 Rose Escort of the Year after winning the vote of the 32 International Roses and Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Picture: Domnick Walsh

A Cavan man was “left speechless” after 32 Rose of Tralee escorts voted for him to be named escort of the year on Monday night.

Gavin Brady, 26, has been escorting London Rose Ciara Fallon throughout the celebrations.

More than 250 applications were received to become a Rose Escort for this year’s festival.

Following a detailed interview process, 32 men were selected to take part in a boot camp weekend in Kerry.

Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé surprised him with the announcement during the first night of the Rose of Tralee competition at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.

Gavin is currently working as an undertaker while studying to qualify as a solicitor. Despite his keen interest in politics and current affairs, the GAA remains his biggest passion.

‘First time all week I’ve been speechless’

Reacting to the news, he said: “This is probably the first time all week I’ve been speechless!”

He added: “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.”

He said that he has made friends for life.

“It’s just been brilliant, my Rose Ciara is a lady and she’s made my experience all the more better,” he said.

Applications to become a 2027 Rose Escort are now open, with full details available at roseoftralee.ie.