Cavan man Gavin Brady has been named the 2026 Rose Escort of the Year, following a vote by the 32 International Roses and their Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
The 26-year-old was surprised with the announcement live on RTÉ One on Monday night, when hosts Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé revealed the result during the first night of the Rose of Tralee TV Show at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.
A proud Cavan man
A “massively proud” Cavan man, Gavin has been escorting London Rose Ciara Fallon throughout this year’s Festival.
He is currently working as an undertaker while studying to qualify as a solicitor. He has a keen interest in politics and current affairs, while GAA is his biggest passion.
Speaking after being named Rose Escort of the Year, Gavin said:
“This is probably the first time all week I’ve been speechless! We’ve had an absolute ball since the first day we went into the Tullamore Court for the Rose Escort interviews.
“This has been a great opportunity to meet lads and ladies from all over Ireland, and beyond. Once you’re out of school, out of college, and people are going in different directions, it’s much harder to meet new people and this has been a great opportunity to meet a new group.
“The most clichéd line ever, but I have friends for life here! It’s just been brilliant. My Rose Ciara is a lady and she’s made my experience all the better.
“It means so much to represent this great group of lads and the team. It’s a real honour to be recognised among your peers. Anyone who knows me knows I’m never lost for words, but this is humbling.”
More than 250 applications
More than 250 applications were received to become a Rose Escort for the 2026 Festival.
Following the interview process, 32 men were selected to take part in the annual Rose Escort Boot Camp Weekend, before joining the Roses for the packed programme of events throughout Festival week.
The 32 Rose Escorts have been suited for the Festival by Benetti Menswear, while Gavin also received a prize valued at €1,000 from the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Become a 2027 Rose Escort
Applications to become a 2027 Rose Escort are now open.
