You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. Those lads look like they have a great auld time of it. There were plenty of other well-groomed lads waiting in the Dublin hotel and around 64 guitars, 65 if you add mine, in the lobby. The current Escort of The Year was there, tall lad, looked like he played a bit of rugby. A handsome devil. It seemed like such craic. Entering the interview room I was greeted by three faces, all playing their roles.
I sang a song, smiled and impressed. I was selected to attend a boot camp down in the lovely Ballybunion with 35 other men for a weekend. We stayed in tents on the beach and learned to surf, played tag rugby and even abseiled, basically working as a team and communicating with one another while getting to know each other.
Most of the talking centered around what we can expect down in Tralee. We plagued the returning Escorts with questions regarding roses and how they dealt with any issues that arose. Every year there will always be one or two returning lads to help lead and guide the group. We bonded over the campfire and had a sing on the beach but the weekend really prepared us for what was to come in Tralee; on the go with little rest and dealing with every emotion possible.
Cool heads required. But we had great fun. The lead up to Tralee was brilliant. The group of lads had really bonded. We knew we would need to rely on each other down there as we were going to be on our feet for long parts of the day, suited and booted in the heat while also looking after our Roses and making sure we could ably assist them on having the best time possible at the festival. You are her rock, her punch bag, her bag holder, her bodyguard, her confidant and most importantly her friend when she needs you the most.
