Two Laois lads are reveling in the chance to be escorts at this year’s Rose of Tralee international festival.
Colin Palmer (25) from Camross and Mark Dunne (27) who is originally from Clonad and is now living in Portlaoise, are brimful of enthusiasm about their roles.
With a strenuous bootcamp behind them to facilitate bonding and now suited and booted for the glamour end of things, Colin and Mark are all set to tend to their Roses, forge new friendships and enjoy every moment of the festivities.
They both grew up in homes where the Rose of Tralee was a must-watch and have proud families who will be in the audience in the dome.
The youngest in a family of seven from Camross, Colin admitted to being cossetted as the baby of the household. However, he is looking forward to being at the beck and call of his Rose.
“It will be hectic. Our job is to ensure our roses have an unforgettable and stress-free experience so I will attend to my Rose as best I can,” said Colin, a former sixth year deputy head boy at Mountrath Community School.
Always up for a bit of craic, Colin who works in Coolrain Sawmills, has a track record in taking on a range of fun challenges. “I love a bit of spontaneity,” he laughed. “Last year I appeared on a Late Late Show Valentine’s Day special. I took part in the TG4 series ‘The Underdogs’ where I was on the team that hurled against Waterford. I also took part in a ‘First Dates Ireland’ progamme that didn’t air but was great fun,” said Colin.
“It didn’t result in a match. She was 19/20 and I was 24/25. She was starting college and I was in a full-time job. It didn’t work out but it was a brilliant experience and it was great to be part of it.”
Colin admitted that he gets a bit of slagging about his escapades but that doesn’t hold him back. “A lot of leering goes on among the lads but I don’t mind that. I just take it as it comes.”
“The bootcamp in Tralee about two months ago was gas. We were told our challenge would be a small bit wet and a small bit mucky but it was very wet and very mucky. Whatever clothes we had were destroyed,” he recalled.
“The organisers took away our phones for the weekend which was a great idea as it enticed everyone to talk and get to know each other,” he said.
Encouraged by one of last year’s escorts to apply, Colin plays hurling, football and golf and is hoping to line out for a bit of soccer too.
He is thrilled with the support he has got from his family and sponsors Bergin’s Inn and Coolrain Sawmills. “My sister, Sharon, will be down for the festival and my brother and friend will also be there,” said Colin.
“I was delighted to spend time in Tralee, getting to know the town as I had never been there before.
“It’s brilliant to get the chance to take part in the heritage elements of the festival and enjoy the craic. I’m single and looking forward to meeting my Rose but I’m not going to the festival looking for love.”
Mark who is a history and geography teacher in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, has a girlfriend, Aileen Crombie from Ballinagar, outside Tullamore.
“I was single when I applied and Aileen is a great support. She understands the reasons for me taking part as escort,” he said.
The Rose of Tralee was always eagerly anticipated in his family. “Since I was young, it was always a big thing in the house to watch the Rose of Tralee. My late grandmother, Frances Dunne and aunt, Cora McHale, always wanted me to apply to be an escort. I thought I would apply and see how I got on,” said Mark.
Like Colin, sport is a huge part of his life so he will have the fitness level required to go the distance at the festival.
“I play soccer with Portlaoise. We played Skerries town in the FAI Cup recently and it didn’t go well,” he said ruefully. “I play football with The Heath but am not playing at the moment.
“Myself and my dad, Con, are managing Ballyroan ladies team. I also do a bit of biking and go to the gym as well as coaching in Kilbeggan.”
A past pupil of Portlaoise, CBS, Mark taught at the school for a year. “Part of the reason I am taking part as escort is to try to be the best role model that I can be. I have always had brilliant female role models in life,” he said.
“The festival is brilliant craic and the message of being respectful to women and promoting Irish culture, being a history teacher, is why I am loving taking part.
“There were 32 lads in the bootcamp who had never met before and is was brilliant Myself and Colin will, I think, be lifelong friends after the experience.
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the festival, thanks to my sponsors, LSM Livestock and Property Partners,” Mark said.
“Taking part is a big deal for the whole family. My mam, Dolores, is absolutely buzzing. My parents and my girlfriend and her mam are going down to Tralee.
“It’s something different and something positive. It’s extra interest for family and friends when someone they know is involved.”
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