Kilkenny Rose and Carlow escort set for Kerry Festival

As the Rose of Tralee festival officially gets underway, local hopes rest with Lisa O’Rourke.

The Castlecomer native left for county Kerry last weekend with the 32 participants from across the globe officially on tour of the country since.

Their TV appearances take place on Monday and Tuesday nights – the order of appearance hasn’t yet been confirmed.

Cllr Maurice Shortall says the whole town and county is behind Lisa;

And while Carlow doesn’t have a Rose this year, the county will still be represented by escort Jack McHugh.