It’s probably the best job in the world. Rose of Tralee escorts are the 32 most envied men in Ireland every August and the festival is starting the hunt for the men to do their counties proud in 2010.

But this year there’s a difference. Up to now, a budding escort had to find sponsorship of €2,500 to be in with a chance of chaperoning a rose for Ireland’s biggest festival. This time, organisers are throwing the net far and wide in a bid to find Ireland’s most eligible single men and it could be you for just €75.
Colm Croffy, the festival’s escort co-ordinator and a former escort himself, explains, “In 2010, for the first time, we are doing a 32-county search for escorts. Escorts will take part in their county selection heats along with potential roses and a winner will be chosen from each county to represent their community and go forward to the international festival.”
Last year’s Escort of the Year, Ben Tighe, says the experience is unforgettable.
“The friends you make are for life, the memories will never dim and the laughs along the way are the loudest you will ever have. I should know, I enjoyed it so much I did it for three years.”
And as if escorting the roses isn’t enough, successful escorts can also win prizes.
Every county in Ireland is now recruiting escorts for their local selections. Anyone who knows someone who would be perfect for the job can log onto www.roseoftralee.ie and download an application form or call 066 7121322.
The Rose of Tralee Escort Charity Partner for 2010 is 1Life Suicide Helpline. Each of the escorts will undertake some modest fundraising and awareness building for this year’s charity partner. The closing date for receipt of escort applications is Friday, March 26. Escorts must be between 21 and 30 years of age.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from Friday, August 20 to Tuesday, August 24 this year.