Jim named runner-up in escort competition

THE escort representing Clare at this year’s Rose of Tralee made it to the final three of the Escort of the Year competition on Tuesday.
Jim Healy from Tipperary, but working in Shannon and chosen at the Clare selection, escorted the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot, representing Queensland, at the festival this week.
Jim works with the Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC) as an industrial relations/human resources executive. In his spare time, he plays rugby and football, enjoys horse riding and athletics and has represented Ireland nationally and internationally in various sporting events.
Peter Sands, escort to the New Zealand Rose Ailbhe Ryan, was announced as the winner. He teaches at St Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt and he described the experience as life changing. “It’s been a very humbling experience and I think the only one happier than me right now is my mummy and I’m sure there’ll be tears as well. There’s 31 other guys that I would put forward just as quickly. I’m very surprised to be here and I really didn’t expect it.”
The winner of the Escort of the Year competition took away a cash prize, a Pilot Training College jacket and a two-hour flying lesson. Jim and the other runner-up, Laois man Paddy Hogan, will each receive a one-hour flying lesson.