Search begins for the 2024 International Rose of Tralee

From New York to Arizona, Kerry to Castlebar – Roses and Rose Escorts gathered at the Jeanie Johnston in Dublin's IFSC to launch the 2024 International Rose of Tralee and Rose Escort of the Year search.

With Rose Selections taking place across 32 centres nationally and worldwide, 2023 Rose of Tralee Róisín Wiley, Rose Escort of the Year Tommy Cunningham officially launched the search for the 2023 International Rose of Tralee.

Ireland's flagship family festival, the Rose of Tralee International Festival, continues to grow in popularity, with more than 100,000 enjoying all that was on offer across the five-day event and more than 15 million views of last year's festival on Rose of Tralee social media. 

2024 International Rose of Tralee Róisín Wiley encouraged anyone interested in taking part to join her this year: "What a surreal and exciting moment to be here launching the 2024 International Rose of Tralee Festival with some of my fellow Roses and Rose Escorts. Although it may sound cliché, applying to be the New York Rose (twice!) has been the best decision I've ever made. Participating in the festival has beyond exceeded my expectations in terms of the friendships you make, fun you have, and opportunities that come your way," she said.

"As a first generation Irish American, I have never felt more proud and empowered to represent my family and Ireland on an International scale. I am confident that I can speak on behalf of the Roses and Rose Escorts, that we all feel the same and would encourage anyone to give this a shot. Although August is just a few months away, I know this is just the start of my Rose journey, and I cannot wait to welcome the class of 2024 to the Rose family."

Benetti Menswear is returning for a third year as the official Rose Escort sponsor. Kildare man Tommy Cunningham, the 2023 Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year, was on hand with Róisín Wiley to launch this year's search for Roses and Benetti Menswear Rose Escorts and promised all those thinking of entering "a life-changing opportunity, one that you won't regret". 

"For me, The Rose of Tralee came at a time where it felt like everyone I ever knew had decided to move abroad. Being in my twenties, I faced the dilemma of packing up like all of my friends, saying goodbye to my family and looking at life abroad indefinitely, or to stay at home in Ireland and watch online as it seemed like everyone I knew was living it up in the sun down under," Tommy Cunningham said.

He added: "The Rose of Tralee gave me a year that I will never forget. I met the most diverse group of friends, experienced the highs of lavish meals in the Meadowlands hotel, and the lows of working with children and families in orphanages across Poland, and not to mention the legendary Rose Escort Bootcamp I am still recovering from!"

Over the coming months, Rose of Tralee Regional Selections will take place in towns and cities across Ireland and all over the world. 

Every Rose that is selected to represent her county, city or country will enjoy a nationwide Rose Tour, showcasing the best attractions and communities right across Ireland; before arriving in Tralee for five fun-filled days of parades, gala functions, community events, entertainment, the televised Rose Selection nights and much more.

The 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 18th – 22nd. Applications are now open at www.roseoftralee.ie.