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2026 Rose of Tralee Escort of the Year left 'speechless' by award

26-year-old Gavin was left stunned when he found out that the 32 beautiful international Roses and his fellow Rose escorts voted for him

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Cavan manGavin Bradyhas been named the2026 Rose Escort of the Yearafter winning the vote of the 32 International Roses and Rose Escorts at the Rose of Tralee International Festival(Image: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD)

The honour of 2026 Escort of the Year at the Rose of Tralee has been bestowed upon Cavan man Gavin Brady.

26-year-old Gavin was left stunned when he found out that the 32 beautiful international Roses and his fellow Rose escorts voted for him.

Gavin learned of the award live on RTE One during the Rose of Tralee International Festival Rose Selection ceremony, which opened the annual event that took place at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.

Gavin, who has been escorting London Rose Ciara Fallon throughout the festival, has described himself as a "massively proud" Cavan man. He works as an undertaker while studying to qualify as a solicitor.

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London Rose Ciara Fallon pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU(Image: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD)

GAA is his biggest passion but he also has a keen interest in politics and current affairs.

Speaking after being named Rose Escort of the Year, Gavin said: "This is probably the first time all week Ive been speechless! Weve 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 youre out of school, out of college, and people are going in different directions; its much harder to meet new people and this has been a great opportunity to meet a new group.

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The win saw Gavin win a prize valued at 1,000(Image: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD)

"The most clichd line ever, but I have friends for life here! Its just been brilliant, my Rose Ciara is a lady and shes made my experience all the more better.

"It means so much to represent this great group of lads, and the team. Its a real honour to be recognised among your peers. Anyone who knows me knows Im never lost for words, but this is humbling."

The win saw Gavin win a prize valued at 1,000.

Over 250 applications were sent in to become a Rose Escort at the 2026 festival and after a detailed interview process, 32 were picked to take part in a Boot Camp weekend in Kerry.

For those interested in becoming an escort for the 2027 festival, applications are now open here.

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