Two Fermanagh men have made the cut to be Rose Escorts at the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Mark McGovern, from Belcoo and John Slowey, from Enniskillen will join the cohort of 65 escorts next month during the iconic festival.

They were put through their paces at the escort’s bootcamp in Dingle, County Kerry last month, where they faced challenges including a cycle over Connor Pass, a hike up Mount Brandon, turf-footing, abseiling, kayaking, surfing, ironing and sewing in order to prove they will have the stamina to be a Rose Escort.

Mark, 27, who has three sisters, is “excited and delighted to be a part of this year’s team.” He says he is “looking forward to working with an amazing group,” adding: “I know it will be an epic experience.”

Mark works as a Sports Welfare Administrator at Croke Park. Ahead of his busy summer as a Rose Escort, he says: “For me it’s all about meeting new people and making memories. I love nothing more than meeting different folk from all over and having the craic. I live by the quote: you can’t buy memories’ so I know I will make friends, life-long at that, and going by the preparations for the festival I know I will have great fun!”

John, 26, works in Grogan’s Pharmacy, Dublin. His sister Niamh was the first Fermanagh Rose in 2006. He recalls his mother and sister watching The Rose of Tralee each year and urging him to become an escort someday. His cousin was an escort in 2012 and, after hearing about all the “amazing” experiences to be had, John decided to apply. After a series of interviews, he was chosen, along with Mark, to attend the bootcamp.

“This year I decided to take the plunge and apply. They say that the experience opens up a whole new social life and that you make friends for life. It’s not just the Rose of Tralee event itself that the escorts are involved in, they are also involved in subsequent events organised by the Rose of Tralee.”

John is “delighted” to be a Rose Escort and, although he will feel the nerves when he arrives in Tralee, he is confident that he will take out his guitar and start a sing-song to break the ice.
Asked if he is looking for romance, John replies: “That’s not what we are going down there for! We’re there to be a gentleman and to ensure the Roses have a good time.”

Fermanagh Rose Mairead McHugh, from Kinawley, met Mark and John recently. She hopes the trio can “do our county proud” and is “sure that the two lads will showcase the friendliness of the Fermanagh people.”