Gavin delighted with Tralee escort role

The 27-year-old from Annesborough is the designated County Armagh Escort for the famous festival, which takes place in Tralee, Co Kerry from August 14 to 20.

Looking ahead to the event, Gavin told the Mail about his duties and expectations for the event.

“As an escort my duties will be to provide a supporting role to all the 32 Roses and to chaperone and provide one to one support for my allocated Rose,” Gavin said.

“I am also to be an ambassador for the objectives, traditions and ethos of the Rose of Tralee International Festival as well as working as a team with all the Escorts and Roses. We will attend functions, street parades and festival events on the streets of Kerry!“

Gavin works in Belfast as civil engineer for URS Infrastructure and Environment UK. He spent the majority of last year on a career break, backpacking throughout South East Asia and Australia. On days off he likes spending most of his free time on the golf course.

He told the Mail what drove him to apply for the festival. “There was an advertisement in the ‘Irish News’ looking potential escorts to apply for the Festival. While on holiday at Easter, my aunt suggested I go for it and I did! The application form was a mixture of questions about my achievements/experiences to date and what qualities I could bring to the festival.”

Gavin also explained the selection process. “Following my application I was notified that I had been shortlisted for interview. I attended the interview in Dublin and won over the three judges, securing my place in this year’s International Festival. With over 150 escorts applying I was delighted to be chosen as one of the final 32, and one of the three escorts chosen from Ulster. ”

Gavin is appreciative towards the local businesses which have kindly sponsored him for the event – IBS Epos, Bistro 47 Restaurant and J.R McMahon Menswear, Lurgan.

Gavin concluded by sharing his plans for the future with improving that golf handicap high on the agenda. He added, “Short term plans for myself are to have a great week during the festival in Tralee and enjoy the remainder of summer with friends and family.

“I plan to continue to work towards my institution chartership exams and in winter will be to work harder and get my golf handicap lower!”