FORMER Rose of Tralee winner Maggie McEldowney has announced her engagement in an adorable “Rose romance”.
Maggie, who was the Chicago Rose back in 2016, has got engaged to her escort from the year, John Slowey.
The adorable pair shared their special news on social media over the weekend.
The official Rose of Tralee Twitter page posted a picture of the moment John proposed and it’s super sweet.
Maggie looked totally shocked as her hubby-to-be got down on one knee while they were out golfing in Chicago.
The 35-year-old stunned in a cute blue striped midi dress and a pair of white trainers.
John beamed up at her as he revealed the ring and popped the question.
The Twitter page captioned their post: “We love a Rose romance! 2016 Rose of Tralee Maggie McEldowney, from Chicago, this year got engaged to 2016 Rose Escort of the year John Slowey.
“We always love hearing stories of Rose romance and wish the happy couple the best ahead of their wedding! #roseoftralee”
Maggie won the iconic RTE series back in 2016 after her third attempt at applying for the show.
At the time of the show, the Chicago Rose was dating Chicago Fire Service worker Jim FitzGibbon, who could not attend the festival due to work matters.
Instead, John stepped in and escorted the Irish lady on her big day – and the rest is history.
And that’s not the first time romance has blossomed with a Rose and their accompanying escort.
Last night, the Cavan Rose was left blushing on stage after Kathryn Thomas outted her on air for having a “spark” with her escort.
The hit show returned last night with Kathryn Thomas and Daithi O Se taking to the stage to welcome each Rose to the competition.
Cavan Rose Grace Farrelly stepped out on stage tonight wearing a stunning blue ballgown and Kathryn immediately asked about her escort.
Rosie romance
The former Operation Transformation host said: “Who’s your escort, is it Stephen?”
Grace replied: “Oh yes.”
Kathryn said: “I was scrolling this morning and we saw that there was an engagement, the 2016 Chicago Rose and her escort got engaged.
“And I was like wondering was there any sparks happening this year and every time I mention Stephen’s name you start giggling.”
‘He’s amazing’
The camera panned to Stephen, who was smiling from ear-to-ear among the crowd.
Grace was taken back and blushed as she said: “No I don’t! He’s…”
Kathryn cut her off and added: “He’s amazing.”
Grace replied: “He’s very nice.”
‘Awkward’
The Cavan beauty told Kathryn that her mam, dad, my two brothers were watching her in the audience.
Kathryn replied: “Awkward.”
RTE viewers all rushed to social media to comment on Grace and Stephen’s spark.
One fan said: “We are not in coppers Kathryn setting up the Cavan rose with the escort. #roseoftralee.”
Hazel tweeted: “We’re all rooting for them #roseoftralee.”