32 Rose Escorts in waiting came from all corners of Ireland and beyond, including the States and Singapore, to partake in the Rose of Tralee Escort Bootcamp.
And a Laois man was among them – Camross’s Colin Palmer – who successfully completed the bootcamp.
Colin is no stranger to the TV and this August will be the third time that we will see him on the screen.
Last year, he took part in the TG4 series ‘The Underdogs’ where he was on the team that hurled against Waterford.
While back in February, Colin featured on the Late Late Show Valentines Special where he spoke to Ryan Tubridy and sought to earn himself a date.
Colin’s inclusion means that two Laois people will feature this year as Sinead Dowd will be the Laois Rose on the night.
“The Rose of Tralee Escorts are the 32 most envied men in Ireland every August, it’s probably the best job in the world”, according to Mark Irwin, the Rose of Tralee Rose Escort Co-ordinator.
Mark, who was a Rose Escort himself led the Rose Escort bootcamp this week in what proved to be memorable few days for the 32 gentlemen.
Mark Irwin said: “Ireland’s most eligible men between 21 and 31 years of enjoyed the chance to become their county’s Rose Escort and secure a place at International Rose Festival in August.
“They have now shown their mettle and proved their worth and stamina and the ultimate reward will be a week of fun in Tralee with the most charming and accomplished young women in Ireland – the 32 International Rose of Tralee contestants.
“The Bootcamp was a positive and essential part of the Rose Escort preparation process.
“It put the lads under some pressure and thought them teamwork and some discipline, all of which are qualities that are very much needed for Festival Week.”
Colin and the other escorts met in the Meadowlands Hotel for a thorough briefing.
During the briefing the lads were advised of primary role of a Rose Escort is to look after his Rose and ensure her time at the festival is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Following the briefing they were advised that all phones would be confiscated for the duration of the bootcamp which created a unique reaction within the group.
Following the shock, the lads headed off on coach journey to Kenmare to visit Eclipse Ireland for a fun packed serious of activities and teambuilding.
They checked in and were put through a serious of activities from team challenges. The adventure consisted of survival training, Mud Surfing, Kayaking, Team building and much more.
Following the challenges, they were hosed down and enjoyed some excellent catering from Athos and his team in Eclipse Ireland.
The lads then enjoyed some down time around the campfire sharing stories and reasons as to why they aspired to be Rose Escorts.
The following morning after an early start they arrived at Tralee Fire station where the lads were put through a rigorous obstacle course under severe wet conditions.
Following those exertions, the lads arrived back at the plush surroundings of the Meadowlands Hotel here they were treated to an exception lunch in advance of their journey to their respective Countries and Counties.
Sponsored by Benetti Menswear, this year a €1000 prize in addition to a €1000 Benetti Voucher awaits one lucky man who is deemed to be worthy of the title ‘Benetti Rose Escort of the Year 2023’.
The TV show will be live on RTE 1 on Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22.
