ALLONTHEROADTOTRALEE
LOUTH IS WELL REPRESENTED AT THIS YEAR’S ROSE OF TRALEE WITH FOUR MAKING THE JOURNEY TO KERRY
ALL roads lead to Tralee this week, with Louth well represented at this year’s Rose festival. Cooley woman Megan Ferguson is representing the county at the event, while three of the escorts - Niall Brennan, Shane Quigley and Dundalk-based Garda Ronan Costello - are putting the finishing touches to their preparations.
The Rose qualifying selections take place later this week, on Wednesday and Thursday when the 65 women will find out which 32 of them will make it to the televised finals next Monday and Tuesday.
Knockbridge escort, Niall Brennan hit the road earlier today (Tuesday) with Shane and Ronan. Niall said: ‘As an escort, one of the most important things to organise is of course our attire for the week’s activities.
‘Unfortunately, the bulk of my wardrobe consists of check shirts, boot cut jeans and brown shoes- all pieces of clothing that I was told not to bring to the Rose of Tralee festival. Thankfully, O’Cathalain Menswear, in Cullaville, came to my rescue and has kindly arranged to have me suited and booted for the entire festival.
‘I was invited to attend the Carlingford Oyster Festival, where I was asked to escort one of the oyster pearls, Claire McCormack. I also had the pleasure of meeting some of the Roses who will Rose of Tralee escorts from Louth, main photo, Shane Quigley, Niall Brennan (top left) and Ronan Costello. be representing the northern counties along with our Louth Rose, Megan Ferguson.
‘I have been overwhelmed with so many people expressing their well wishes and genuine interest in the festival. Fortunately, some of my family and friends will be making the trip to Tralee.
My co- workers in Alltech, who are also my main sponsor, have been a fantastic support, however, there has been plenty of banter at my expense watching me perfect the crucial 90 degree left arm bend!’
Cavan-born Dundalk-based Garda Ronan Costello is keen to get to Tralee. He said: ‘It’s a once in a lifetime occasion for many of us and there are lots of great events taking place like Nathan Carter and Hermitage Green. I’m not feeling nervous at all, I just get going and be involved.
‘Since I got selected with Shane and Niall, I’ve already made many lifelong friends and another 65 to be made this week. I would like to thank my sponsor Dt One Menswear, based in Cavan also for all their support’.
Meanwhile, Ravensdale’s Shane Quigley is also looking forward to the event. He said: ‘Following the Bootcamp weekend in June, myself and a number of Dublin based escorts put a Tag Rugby team together for a league in Clontarf. It was a great way to get to know some of the guys I will be alongside for the duration of the festival.
‘ Thankfully the preparations are almost complete and I am now just looking forward to meeting the 2016 Roses and the rest of the Escorts. A few friends and family members are coming down for the festival, they will be kept busy with the a large variety of events planned across Tralee for the duration of the festival and I have no doubt Megan Ferguson will do the Wee County proud’.