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04 Nov 2025
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04 Nov 2025
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Colin Palmer, Laois Rose Sinead Dowd and Mark Dunne
Two Laois lads are at the heart of the excitement at the 2023 International Rose of Tralee, with hopes one could bring home at least one festival title to the county for the first time ever.
As well as lovely Laois Rose Sinead Dowd who takes to the Dome stage live on RTÉ television tonight, the county has Mark Dunne, 27, from Portlaoise and Colin Palmer, 25, from Camross.
Coolrain Sawmills supervisor Colin is escort to the Meath Rose Lane Galvin, and teacher Mark is escorting the South Australia Rose Charlotte Burton.
They took a moment out of their busy day to tell the Leinster Express / Laois Live how it's all going.
"My Rose Lane is absolutely beautiful and sound. It has been busy but it's been great. The highlight so far is the parade on Friday night. It was amazing. We all walked along the street by the floats and the sky was lit up with fireworks.
"All of us as escorts are helping each other out, but it's all for them, the Roses. We are looking forward to the Escort of the Year final too, it's exciting," Colin said.
Mark could barely speak at all, with his voice hoarse from all the activities.
"It's all going great, my Rose Charlotte is doing really well. The experience here is brilliant, the craic. And hopefully we can bring home a win for Laois," he said.
The Rose of Tralee will be broadcast live at 8pm on Monday and Tuesday evening, hosted by Daithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, with 32 Roses from all over the world hoping to win the coveted title.
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