MONDAY 19 AUGUST 2024: Dubliner Barry Lysaght has topped the poll of the 32 International Roses and Rose Escorts to become the Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year at the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé announced the result live on RTÉ One during the first night of the Rose of Tralee TV Show at Kerry Sports Academy, in the MTU.
The 29 year old criminal defence barrister, who is accompanying the North Carolina Rose Kathryn Wright, hails from Castleknock, Dublin. In his spare time Barry plays guitar and saxophone with Dominda, and does stand-up comedy in clubs all over Ireland.
Speaking about the announcement Barry said; “I’m honoured to be chosen as the Benetti Rose Escort of the Year, and represent the 31 other Rose Escorts. They are a fantastic group and it means so much to represent them.
“I knew the Rose of Tralee International Festival would be craic, I just didn’t think it would be this much fun. Walking down Denny Street in the parade was the highlight of my year so far.”
The 32 Benetti Menswear Rose Escorts 2024 have been gifted with two exquisite ‘James Peak Lapel Tuxedos’ from the Benetti Menswear brand. In addition, Barry will receive a prize valued at €2,000 from Benetti Menswear.
Vincent Nally, MD Benetti Menswear said: “Benetti Menswear are delighted to announce Barry Lysaght as the 2024 Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year. Benetti are proud of our official partnership with the Rose of Tralee International Festival. We have been working closely with the 32 Rose Escorts over the past few months and counting down to the 2024 Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year. We wish Barry and all the Rose Escorts a most memorable event in Tralee.”
More than 200 men aged between 21 and 31 applied to become Rose Escorts at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival and following a detailed interview process, the final 32 were selected to take part in a Boot Camp Weekend in Kerry to help them prepare for a busy week at the Festival.
Applications are now being accepted to become Rose Escorts for the 2025 Festival and full details are available from www.roseoftralee.ie.
ENDS
Official Festival Photographs will be issued to news and picture desks from Domnick Walsh (dwalshphoto.ie), with repro free images also available to accredited editors from the online Editors Area.
Interview requests for the International Roses and Rose Escorts can be made directly to [email protected]
