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While the Liam McCarthy cup arrived in Limerick for the first time in 45 years on Monday night just over the border in Kerry, a Roscommon farmer was collecting a title of his own. Paul Clabby, a farmer from Four Mile House in Roscommon was selected as Rose Escort of the Year at the 2018 festival.
Paul, who was part of a strong farmer contingent among the rose escorts, beat off competition from 56 others to win the title. He was also presented with a cheque for €1,000 by host Dáithí Ó Sé.
Shock
Reacting to the announcement, Paul said: "I’m still in shock, my voice is gone, it’s amazing. It has been a fantastic experience, we have been immersed into this bubble down here in Kerry that is all surrounding the Rose of Tralee Festival and I’m delighted I got involved now.”
While also playing football for Kilbride he says he is a wannabe Michael Flatley who’s first love is DJ-ing. Outside of farming he has a full-time job as a rural development officer and has worked in places such as Brussels, Spain and Romania.
Kevin Conlon, a paediatric doctor from Mallow, Co Cork, and Gearoid Sheehan from Ardfert, Co Kerry, an associate buyer with Kerry Group were also shortlisted for the Rose Escort of the Year award.
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