Rose Escorts will to swap tuxedos for taches in a campaign to spark conversations about mental health, community, and connection
The Rose Escorts are taking on a new kind of challenge this November: growing moustaches for Movember, the global men’s health movement that raises vital funds and awareness for mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
What began as a light-hearted idea among a few of the group has grown into a full team effort, with 24 Escorts committing to the challenge and all 32 Roses pledging their support throughout the month. Together, they aim to remind people that men’s health is not just a men’s issue; it’s one that affects families, friends and entire communities.
“The Rose of Tralee gave all of us an incredible sense of friendship and community,” says Rose Escort Joe Hennessy from Knockcarron, Co Limerick. “This felt like a way to keep that connection going while supporting a cause that affects so many men and families.”
Hennessy says the idea came naturally after the strong bond the group formed during their time as Escorts. “One of the most asked questions since we took part in the Rose of Tralee as escorts has been ‘do you and the escorts stay in touch?’ and the truthful answer is absolutely. We built a community that gives lads a safe and open space to talk and share what’s on their minds, something many men don’t have.”
He recalls the bootcamp weekend in Dingle, where the Escorts were pushed out of their comfort zones and off their phones. “At the start everyone was nervous, but by Sunday it felt like a great idea. We really connected. I saw coming up to the festival that lads were checking in on each other, and from personal experience I know a text asking how you are can mean a lot. A Rose said something to me in Tralee that stuck: ‘it costs nothing to be nice.’”
That spirit is now carrying into Movember. “It’s about raising awareness, raising funds, and hopefully raising a few smiles along the way,” says Hennessy. “We wanted to do something that went beyond August. Movember gives us the chance to start real conversations about men’s health, to remind people it’s okay to talk, to check in and to look out for each other.”
To discover more and support the team, visit movember.com/t/rose-of-tralee-escorts-movember-campaign or simply search “Rose Escort” at www.movember.com.
Rose of Tralee International Festival Director of Operations, Steve Cronly, praised the initiative and the unity shown by this year’s group: “The Rose Escorts are a brilliant example of the positive impact this festival can have long after August. Their camaraderie, kindness and community spirit reflect what the Rose of Tralee is all about. It’s fantastic to see them channel that energy into something that supports men’s health and opens up important conversations.”
Movember officially kicks off on Saturday, November 1st, and this year the charity is aiming to raise over €2 million in Ireland to fund vital men’s health initiatives. Since 2008, Irish supporters have raised more than €29 million, helping to fund research and community programmes in mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Supporters nationwide are encouraged to grow a moustache, move 60km over the month, host an event, or “Mo their own way”, all in the name of men’s health. To sign up or donate, visit Movember.com/register.
The Rose Escorts’ efforts will include a clean-shave kickoff, moustache updates throughout the month and a charity climb of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak, later in November. Follow their journey throughout the month on all Rose of Tralee social platforms.
