Excellent sentiments there Bandage.
First the lads:
- Plenty of support from the escorts for The Shawshank Redemption.
- Nice to see Ciarn O’Connell back again this year.
Escorts 2007
Darragh Broderick
Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
Darragh (27) is a Galway native. A Sales Representative with GlaxoSmithKline, he has
developed a passion for Munster rugby since moving to Limerick. Music is an important
part of Darraghs life, he has played drums and guitar with a number of cover bands and
would chance his arm at singing. A devotee of musical festivals, he is currently learning
the harmonica. I will treat my Rose as a Princess and hopefully gain friends for life.
Favourite food: Mashed potatoes
Favourite film: Braveheart
Tommy Butler
Sponsored by Butler Manufacturing Services
Tommy (27) is a native of Longford. A busy Pharmacist with huge interest in Rugby,
beneath the suave exterior of the Longford Rugby Club secretary, and budding politician,
is a very talented drummer. He is an active member of the 4 Victor spinal injury appeal
which has raised 50K for an injured local sportsman. Tommy says 3 words sum him up:
punctual, reliable and determined.
Favourite food: Roast beef with all the trimmings
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption.
Anthony Byrne
Sponsored by Brennan Hotels
Anthony (25) from Arklow is swapping his kilt for an Escorts tuxedo to fulfil a life long
ambition. The champion bagpiper is a graduate in marketing and works as Store Manager
in the family business. Playing for the opening of the Special Olympics at Croke Park and
for Pope John Paul II in the Vatican are among his musical highlights. Anthony worked in
Sri Lanka as an aid volunteer in the wake of the Tsunami disaster and plans to return there
this year.
Favourite food: Steak
Favourite film: Man on Fire
Enda Carey
Sponsored by Danny Byrnes of Mullingar
Enda (26) is a farmer from Mullingar. He plays football with Shandonagh GAA Club, likes
to socialise with friends and attends the occasional quiz. A trip to Australia is planned
for early next year. Enda describes himself as genuine, cool under pressure, tolerant,
punctual and good humoured. Accustomed to working in what he describes as a
pressurised environment Enda is confident that he has what it takes to be an Escort.
Favourite food: Chinese
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Darren Cawley
Sponsored by Punchestown Kidney Research Fund
Darren (29) is from Westport. A lifeguard and fitness instructor he also works as a bus and
taxi driver. Darren has no problems with bright lights as he was Mayo Person of the Year
2005 and he has represented Ireland in athletics at World and European Transplant Games.
He describes himself as friendly, outgoing and engaging. His view of the Escorts role is
to be good company for my Rose. Perhaps provide a shoulder to cry on and do all possible
to ensure she has a stress free time.
Favourite food: Fajitas
Favourite film: The Indiana Jones movies
Peter Cooney
Sponsored by Cooney Communications
Peter (25) comes from Gorey. A bank official, his hobbies include rugby, Gaelic football
and cricket with an interest in all sports. Peter says that describing himself is a tough
job saying he is an easy going relaxed person who is attentive to the needs of others.
He speaks highly of the training he has received in customer service practices. Peter
regards the ability to ensure my Rose is relaxed and totally at ease with everything that
is happening as fundamental to the role of the Escort.
Favourite food: Chicken & Pasta
Favourite film: Remember the Titans
Eugene Delaney
Sponsored by Dara Cash Registers Limited
Eugene (25) from Naas is an event management executive. Eugene lists tennis, basketball
and tag-rugby as activities he enjoys, he is also a qualified coach in tennis, football and
basketball. I am very outgoing with a good sense of humour and I enjoy the company of
friends is how he describes himself. Eugene is looking forward to ensuring my Rose has
an unforgettable time and to do everything I can to support her
Favourite food: Thai sweet and sour chicken
Favourite film: Zoolander and Wedding Crashers
Cornelious Dennehy
Sponsored by Dennehy Transport Services Millstreet
Cornelious (25) is from Millstreet. A haulier, he lists motor sport, poetry, listening to
music, singing and travelling as his hobbies. He says that his work requires being good with
people generally, being able to handle different situations as they arise and have a good
outlook. Cornelious loves to travel and hopes one day to publish a volume of his own
poetry. Being sociable and the perfect gentleman are key attributes for every Escort in
Cornelious opinion.
Favourite food: Indian
Favourite film: The Life of Brian
Kieran Doona
Sponsored by Tralee Townhouse
Kieran (26) who originally hails from Killarney, is a mad keen water sports man. A
graduate of Cork IT, Kieran is Purchasing Manager with a Kerry-based constructions
company. Rowing and Sailing are his chief leisure pursuits. Describing himself as honest,
friendly, easy going and game for a laugh Kieran includes learning how to fly as an
ambition. Hes looking forward to, as he says himself, just being there for my Rose.
Favourite food: Couldnt possibly choose just one
Favourite film: Toystory
Oliver Fegan
Sponsored by Accenture
Oliver (26), originally a Dubliner, is a Management Consultant and lives in London. A
man of many interests, his leisure pursuits include attending the Verona Opera Festival
annually as well as rugby, soccer, cycling, waterpolo, tennis and squash. Oliver plans
to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in 2008 to raise funds for charity. Oliver has a simple
outlook on being an Escort I will ensure my Rose has the best possible time
Favourite food: Indonesian - the spicier the better!
Favourite film: La Vita Bella
Simon Hennessy
Sponsored by Our Ladys Childrens Hospital, Crumlin
Simon (24) comes from the redoubtable hurling village of Ballysimon, Co. Limerick and the
ancient national game features among his hobbies with basketball and boxing. Recently
qualified from UCD as a Veterinary Surgeon, he acknowledges that his five years on campus
has broadened my mind beyond animals Simon says he will ensure that his Rose is
always enjoying herself and always far from disappointment. He describes himself as
easy going, well mannered and always willing to give something a go.
Favourite food: Beef Satay
Favourite film: Glory.
Philip Kehoe
Sponsored by Sam McCauleys
Philip (30) is from New Ross. He works in the family animal feed business in addition to
being a tillage farmer and engages in some construction work. Motor racing, dancing,
skiing, reading, following GAA and rugby are preferred hobbies. Philip raced competitively
at the top level of Irish motor sport for 5 years and he describes himself as level
headed, genuine and honest. A fun person, but who treats everyone with respect. Being
there for your Rose and making sure you get her memories on camera are important
requirements for every Escort.
Favourite food: Everything is good on a cold day!
Favourite film: Armageddon.
David Mathews
Sponsored by Wireless Connect Limited
David (29) hails from Clogherhead, Co. Louth. An engineer by profession, David loves
to travel and in addition to other trips spent 7 months touring South East Asia, New
Zealand and Australia. Hiking, salsa dancing, scuba diving, basketball, GAA, reading and
photography complete his leisure interests. A future ambition would be to spend time
as a development worker in South East Asia. David is firmly of the opinion that an Escort
needs to be alert to what his Rose may need, whether that is throat lozenges or having a
camera at the ready.
Favourite food: Steak with peppered sauce
Favourite film: The Pursuit of Happiness
David McNeela
Sponsored by Engine Remanufacturing
David (30) is from Castlebar. An engine remanufacturing technician, David enjoys skiing,
water skiing and socialising generally. He has travelled extensively and a world tour tops
the list of things he wants to do. Down to earth and up for anything. A people person is
how he describes himself. David regards making sure my Rose is comfortable and relaxed
so that she will enjoy the unique experience of being a Rose as the key requirement for
an Escort.
Favourite food: Italian
Favourite film: Man bout Dog.
Colm Ceallachin
Sponsored by Wynns Hotel
Colm (26) is from Dublin city. An assistant manager in private banking, his leisure
activities include hurling, Gaelic football, soccer, cinema, going out with friends and
generally chilling. He is currently coach of the hurling team at his club, Na Fianna. Asked
Escorts Biogs
For Further information please contact COLM CROFFY 087 221 5406
to describe himself he lists 4 facets: friendly, full of life, sensitive and funny. His view
of the role of the Escort? do everything in my power to ensure my Rose has a fantastic
experience that will leave her with happy memories of the Festival.
Favourite food: A bar of Cadburys Dairy Milk
Favourite film: Love Actually.
Colm Laoire
Sponsored by John Torpy
Colm (26) is a Dubliner. A prosthetist/orthotist at Cappagh Hospital, Colm keeps in trim
through hurling, golf, basketball and running. He also likes to dance. Ambitions include
climbing Everest, completing a full triathlon and running the sub-3 hour marathon. I
would regard myself as a people person is how he describes himself. Supporting my
Rose so that she enjoys her experience as a Rose to the fullest will be Colms priority
as an Escort.
Favourite Food: Southern Italian
Favourite film: Life is beautiful.
Richard Owens
Sponsored by The Castles Stud
Richard (27) is a native of Galway City. A Dublin-based Garda, Richard ranks learning to
ride a motorcycle and being an Escort as two important ambitions. Now he is an Escort
perhaps he should petition the powers-that-be for that motorbike assignment! Richards
grew up surrounded by ponies and horses and he loves to show jump or ride with the
Galway Blazers or Tipperary Foxhounds. He says handling pressure is one of the many
personal strengths of the modern Garda.
Favourite Food: Chinese
Favourite film: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Ciarn OConnell
Newbridge Silverware Escort of the Year 2006
Ciarn (24) is a native of Corofin, County Clare. An engineer by profession, Ciarn was
voted Escort of the Year by the Roses in 2006. Ciarn will escort the 2006 International
Rose of Tralee Kathryn Feeney.
Damien ODonnell
Sponsored by Tech Skills Resources Limited
Damien (27) comes from Dublin. A Recruitment Consultant, Damien performs and teaches
guitar, is a member of the Gaiety School of Acting and enjoys working out in the gym. He
describes himself as patient, friendly and confident, qualities he regards as essential
for an Escort, in addition to doing everything possible to support my Rose. Why did he
choose to apply? My family has watched the Rose of Tralee for years and being an Escort
has been an ambition of mine.
Favourite Food: Thai
Favourite film: Big Fish.
Martin ONeill
Sponsored by TPS Limited and Smith & Wilson Pub
Martin (24) is a native of Cavan town. A busy accountant, Martin is a passionate Man Utd
fan while also playing soccer and GAA football locally. Keeping fit, running and swimming
are among his favourite activities, as are cinema and seeing bands play live. Coming from
a family of 8, he is well used to working in a busy team environment and is hoping to
prove to his Rose that Irish gentlemen are among the best in the world
Favourite Food: My Mums bacon
Favourite Film: Wedding Crashers
Tony Porter
Sponsored by Porter Christmas Tree Farms
Tony (22) is from Laragh, Co. Wicklow. Tony works with the Department of Environment
Heritage and Local Government, based in the Garden County of Ireland. Tonys ambition is
to continue his studies in landscaping and interior design. Im a passionate outdoor guy
who enjoys trekking in the mountains around Glendalough. For the past 2 years he has
put his skills to use for raising money for childrens charity Barretstown Castle.
Favourite food: Mums, especially Sunday dinner
Favourite film: The Wind that Shakes the Barley.
Nigel Purcell
Sponsored by Farran House Stud
Nigel (24) is a native of Tipperary and currently living in the UK where he works as a
Financial Analyst. He describes himself as approachable, chatty and witty and loves
a good conversation. Nigels diverse leisure pursuits include horse-riding, tennis and
attempting a dog sled race from Central Alaska to the western Baring Sea coast in Canada.
Favourite Food: Argentinean Steak from the grill
Favourite Film: Legends of the Fall
Mark Quaid
Sponsored by Mustard Seed Country House Hotel
Mark (29) is originally from Limerick. A manufacturing technical manager in the ICT sector
Mark has travelled very extensively (great experiences to share) in the Americas, Africa
and Asia. His hobbies are running, football, squash, tennis and golf. He describes himself
as funny, interesting and genuine Working in a demanding environment he would regard
patience and keeping calm are important traits. His ambitions? run a marathon,
represent my country in a sporting capacity and be the Escort for the winning Rose!.
Favourite Food: Pasta and chicken
Favourite Film: Crash
Derek Reilly
Sponsored by RE/MAX
Derek (27) is from Belmullet, Co. Mayo and is a self-made business man running a busy
auctioneering firm. Derek was the youngest President of a Chamber of Commerce in the
country. He is also a fire fighter. A Scuba diver, he loves nothing better than to explore the
clear waters of the western Atlantic. He believes an Escort should to be chivalrous and
know how to treat a lady. He hopes being an Escort will make his Mother proud!
Favourite Food: Mostly Italian Dishes
Favourite Film: Usual Suspects
John Riordan
Sponsored by Mymortgages.ie
John (27) is from Ladyswell in Cork City. A Mortgage Broker by profession he admits that a
career as a professional surfer sounds very attractive! In addition to surfing, Johns leisure
activities include swimming, rugby and going to the cinema. John enjoys fine dining but
emphasises that the Quarter Pounder from Lennoxs chipper on the old Bandon Road in
Cork cannot be beaten!
Favourite Food: Lennoxs Quarter Pounder
Favourite film: Star Wars.
Dermot Skinnader
Sponsored by Laing ORourke Ireland Limited
Dermot (22) from Carndonagh on Donegals Inishowen Peninsula, has just obtained a
Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from Queens University Belfast and is working as a site
engineer in that city. While city living in Belfast has its advantages, especially the foreign
films, Dermot loves the lifestyle of his native place. Dermots views on the role of an
escort are very broad: provide a piggy back over a puddle or throat lozenges at 4.00am
or simply be a gopher.
Favourite food: freshly prepared fish and vegetables
Favourite film: Its a Wonderful Life
Declan Sweeney
Sponsored by The Silver Tassie Hotel
Declan (22) is from Letterkenny. A personnel officer in the aviation industry, Declan
describes himself as likeable, good humoured and can communicate well. I fit into all
types of company. His hobbies include soccer, Gaelic football and most sports. Movies
and socialising with friends are important too. Making sure my Rose is in the right place
at the right time, that things run smoothly and being a true Irish gentleman are Declans
list of core skills for an Escort.
Favourite food: Mammys cooking is hard to beat!
Favourite film: Lord of The Rings.
Mark Talbot
Sponsored by MG Construction
Mark (27) is from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. Currently studying nursing at the University of
Limerick he also works as a Care Worker. Mark is a keen sports fan; something of a gym
bunny he captains his local senior club hurling team. Mark believes that his temperament
and personality will help him put his Rose at ease; up for a laugh and easy going he is
confident he can handle anything that comes his way.
Favourite food: Chicken
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption.
Morgan Tierney
Sponsored by AIB Dublin North Region
Morgan (29) is a native of Portumna, Co. Galway and works as a Bank Official with Allied
Irish Bank. He describes himself as fun, friendly and outgoing, an outgoing personality,
all required traits for an Escort! Morgans leisure pursuits include going out with friends,
playing golf and going to the cinema.
Favourite food: Italian cuisine
Favourite film: Happy Gilmore.
Cathal Tunney
Sponsored by Thermovac Plastics Limited
Cathal (23) is originally from Letterkenny. A graphic designer working in the advertising
industry in Belfast, Cathal regards being organised, calm and courteous and with a
supply of my Roses favourite sweets as important for an Escort. A traditional Irish fiddler
who enjoys photography, tennis and golf, Cathal is learning the art of cooking. Asked his
attributes Cathal included my conversational skills, currently unrivalled in the North
West, and my sense of humour!
Favourite food: Thai chilli noodles
Favourite film: Amlie (Le fabuleux Destin dAmlie Poulain).
Donal Twomey
Sponsored by Arthur Cox Solicitors
Donal (26) is originally from Ballinspittle in West Cork. A solicitor and tax consultant
with Arthur Cox Solicitors, Donal enjoys hurling & football, tag rugby, hill walking and
occasionally meditation. He likes to sing and recalls singing 15 songs in a row in a pub in
Cheltenham on Gold Cup night at the request of an Englishman who wanted to hear Irish
songs! Donal also devotes time to fundraising for charities. Im outgoing, good humoured
relaxed guy is how he sums himself up.
Favourite food: Italian meat balls
Favourite film: The Wind that shakes the Barley.
Gordon Weldon
Sponsored by Meath Tourism
Gordon (28) is from Navan. A teacher of special needs education, Gordon says that he
has a true sense of the importance of life through his work with children with different
educational challenges. Hobbies include Gaelic football, soccer, swimming, basketball and
mountaineering. Gaelic football has taken him to many places outside Ireland that gave
him a true sense of the pride of being Irish. Gordon describes himself as kind, caring
and generous and his motto is life is too short.
Favourite food: Sweet and sour chicken
Favourite film: A Beautiful Mind.
