Farming is well represented among this year’s Rose of Tralee escorts, with a number of farmers and those working in the agricultural sector among the 2026 line-up.

Among this year’s escorts are full-time farmers and part-time farmers.

Also included are a number of those working across the agricultural industry.

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Kevin Quane - Cork

Kevin Quane from Co Cork works on his family farm alongside the family business, Quane Dairy Services.

Quane joked that if something was broken in a milking parlour, there’s a good chance he'll have it running again before he had a chance to finish his cup of tea.

He is also hoping to prove during the festival that “a farmer can survive five days without talking about the weather”.

Jack Skehan - Waterford

West Waterford dairy and sheep farmer Jack Skehan returned home in 2025 after spending several years living and working in America and Australia.

He came home with the aim of taking over the family farm and continuing its next chapter.

Earlier this year, Skehan launched his own premium beef business, West Waterford Wagyu, selling locally reared Wagyu beef from the family farm straight to customers.

David McKearney - Monaghan

Monaghan man David McKearney works as an inspector with the Department of Agriculture and spends much of his time outside of work helping on the family farm.

From lambing and silage to working with cattle, McKearney said country life remains a big part of who he is. He is also a regular at ploughing matches and country music nights.

Looking ahead to his time in Tralee, he hopes to prove that “Monaghan lads can do more than just talk farming”.

Paddy Brennan - Laois

Laois native Paddy Brennan grew up on a dairy farm in Attanagh and has been involved in farming from a young age.

His interest in farming led him to study agricultural science in University College Cork, graduating in 2023, before going on to work as a business manager with Tirlán at Castlelyons, Co Cork.

Enda Shalvey - Cavan

Enda Shalvey from Co Cavan works as a commercial manager with ABP Food Group and also has a strong agricultural background.

He graduated from UCD’s School of Agriculture before completing further studies at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Shalvey has also been heavily involved in Macra for a number of years and says he has seen the benefit it can bring to a young person’s life, whether they come from a farming background or not.

Peter Hyland - Laois

Laois man Peter Hyland works in cyber security, but farming remains a big part of his life, with both of his parents farming at home.

He has also helped out his mother with her tourist accommodation on the farm, welcoming visitors from around the world.

Shane Treanor - Monaghan

Shane Treanor from Co Monaghan is a mechanic by trade, but regularly helps out on the farm and also works at agricultural contracting during the summer months.