The Rose of Tralee may be all about the ladies but behind the scenes, 32 dashing gentlemen are catering to their every need. But how would they do if they were faced with Daithí’s questions on stage?

Conor Walsh

Conor Walsh from Limerick is no stranger to Tralee. He made his first appearance as an escort in 2013 and came back last year to win the 2014 Newbridge Silverware Escort of the Year. Conor says he is retiring gracefully this year but not before he has one more week with the ladies. After all, he has seen both his dancing skills and his love of wearing a tuxedo improve drastically over the last couple of years.

Who will you have in the Dome with you? Would you believe, I only have my mammy, Kay Walsh. I’ve been in Tralee for the last two years and she is my big supporter, although I doubt she’ll have a banner. The attention should be all about the Roses.

Sounds like you always have the best interests of the Rose at heart. No wonder you won Escort of the Year. So, what traits from growing up on a farm in Limerick do you think contribute to the whole escort experience? I’m well used to working hard and long hours. Sure you have to have a bit of stamina for the crazy week in Tralee. And I enjoy meeting lots of different people.

What five items will be essentials for your week in Tralee? Berocca Boost will be top of the list. We should be sponsored by them – it’s such a busy week. Talcum powder isn’t just for grannies – those tuxes can get sweaty. Comfy slippers for when I’m off duty – the feet can get very sore. And a spare battery pack for my phone for taking all those pictures for the girls.

What chat-up line do you have for the Roses? No romances and no chat-up lines. It’s all about ensuring the Rose enjoys her week. Anyway, I learned from last year. My Rose was the North Carolina Rose and her boyfriend was a jet fighter pilot for the American army. I wasn’t going to mess with him. Actually we became great mates.

Feargal McNally

Monaghan native Feargal is certainly a man with get up and go. He started farming in 2008 and has been building his own farm with the help of his father ever since. Ladies, he has a small bit of road frontage and plays football with his local club, Clontibret O’Neills.

What family will be coming with you to the Dome? Well, my sister Sarah was the Monaghan Rose in 2006. They all came to see her so I’d be hoping for the same myself – banners and all.

If you were a Rose on stage, what would your talent be? I like a bit of jiving. You’d often find me on a Friday night in the Glencarn Hotel jiving to Nathan Carter and Mike Denver. So I might pick someone out of the audience for a dance – that would get a bit of a laugh, wouldn’t it?

What are you looking forward to most about the week? We had a brilliant week in Tralee when Sarah was the Rose and there really is nothing like it. It’s brilliant craic and banter and the buzz throughout the festival is fantastic.

Finally, do you plan on using any chat-up lines to get yourself a Rose? Ah I don’t have chat-up lines, I generally don’t need them. I’ll just work my charm.

Richard Cullen

Richard Cullen from Wicklow is a handy man to have around a milking parlour, although he also works for technology company Cartrawler. He is guaranteed a laugh from the girls as he was nominated as one of the top three comedians in the country at the AIMS awards for his role in a production of Footloose.

What’s been the highlight of being an escort so far? We had to go to an Escort bootcamp and it was the best fun. Thirty-two lads all being competitive and trying to be the best. I really was in my comfort zone doing the sheep shearing and cutting turf. The postman from Dublin, on the other hand, let his sheep go and had to chase him up the field.

If you were a Rose on stage, what would your talent be? I have a few dance moves that I have perfected in Coppers. I even went to a few salsa dancing lessons a few weeks ago. Or I’d sing a song I wrote myself – I’d want it to be memorable.

What chat-up line do you have for the Roses? I’d go up with my new tux and get her to touch it. Then I’d ask her what material she thinks it is. She might reply cotton or silk. I’d say: “No, it’s boyfriend material.”

What traits from growing up on a farm can you bring to the whole escort experience? I can tie a gate with a double knot so that might come in handy if a dress strap breaks.

Mark Dowling

Mark Dowling may be from Stradbally, Co Laois, but is loyal to the last to his local GAA club, the Heath. Having played inter-county football at minor and under 21 level, Mark hopes to one day win a county title with them.

What friends and family will you have in the Dome? I’ll have a good crowd of about 10. My dad, John, and mam, Rosemary, are even talking about coming back from their holidays early. There has been no talk of any banners so far but I’m hopeful.

Tell us about your wardrobe for the week. I must admit, I enjoy wearing the suits. I have a few lined up from weddings and my graduation but I’m really looking forward to the fancy tux we’re being given in Tralee. I’ve been breaking in new brown and black shoes ahead of the week.

List the items you’ll be bringing with you to survive the week? My own pillow – I’ll need to be getting a good night’s sleep after those hectic days. My iPod so I can relax and unwind, so I’m always giving it my best when I’m out and about, and, of course, my Escort pin. That will be one for the memory box.