Rose escort set to fulfil late mum's final wish

Rose of Tralee escort Karl Miller will fulfil one of his mother's dreams when he completes his stint as an escort in the Kerry competition this August. "She said she would always have liked one of us to do it," he said of his mother, Deirdre, who passed away just a couple of weeks ago following a long battle with cancer. "I would love to have let her see me," said the Ashbourne native, although his mother was aware that he'd made it through the various stages to take up the role prior to her passing. This involved a rigorous three-person interview and a gruelling but enjoyable boot-camp in Kerry before finally getting the seal of approval to join the 32-strong escort team. Being an escort is something that the Carlow IT graduate has always wanted to do himself, "It's absolutely brilliant," he said, describing the other escorts as a good bunch and so anticipates a bit of fun during the festival. Karl Miller is currenly looking for further local sponsorship for his spell as escort. Already The Wright Venue in Swords has lent its support, while McGeever Menswear, Ashbourne, will be dressing him for the occasion.