The countdown is on for Donegal Rose Niamh Shevlin ahead of her big moment in the Tralee Dome at the live selection nights this week. The Rose of Tralee festival reaches the exciting live show stage this Monday and Tuesday, and Riverdancer Niamh from Glenswilly is already dancing her way into the hearts of the nation. Niamh has been putting her best foot forward and proudly representing Donegal on the Rose Tour, which features a jam-packed schedule of events, trips and a heartfelt visit to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Niamh, aged 27, is the daughter of Mick and Geralyn from Bomany and will have heaps of support in the Dome and at home. One half of the famous Shevlin twins, Niamh and her brother Gavin began Irish dancing at the age of four. In 2018, Niamh joined Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, where she held the female lead role of Saoirse for five years. She continues to perform regularly with the Riverdance cast and has traveled to over 50 countries across six continents through her dancing. Having achieved many of her dreams, Niamh now seeks to share her love of Irish dance with younger generations.
Sharing the Love of Irish Dance
Niamh is also a recently qualified primary school teacher. Her dance teaching has also extended to Africa. After visiting Uganda with Irish Aid in March 2023, she initiated weekly online classes, aiming to inspire a passion for Irish dance among children in the world’s most impoverished regions.
The Rose of Tralee Family Affair
It’s a family affair for the Glenswilly teacher, who is joined in Tralee by her twin brother, Gavin, who recently returned from a six-month Australian and New Zealand tour with A Taste of Ireland Company. The in-sync siblings have been wowing festival-goers with their Irish dancing skills this week.
A Twin's Touch
There are no less than FOUR contestants who are twins competing in this year’s contest. Niamh and her brother Gavin began Irish dancing at the age of four.
Supporting the Roses: Donegal's Colton Friel
Ardara man Colton Friel is also flying the flag for Donegal as a Rose Escort. Colton, sponsored by Herron Auto, is bringing a touch of Donegal charm to all his endeavours. Colton is Rose Escort to Kilkenny Rose Lisa O’Rourke.
What to Expect from the Rose of Tralee Live Shows
The running order of the live interview shows has yet to be announced, but the Dome audiences will this year be guaranteed to be treated to live music and entertainment and a few surprises to boot. Viewers can cheer on the Roses from home on RTE from 8 pm on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
A Look Behind the Scenes
It’s been confirmed that Niamh will be the fourth Rose interviewed by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas on Tuesday night, when the winner will also be crowned.
What's Next for the Donegal Rose?
While the winner of the Rose of Tralee will be crowned on Tuesday night, Niamh Shevlin has already shown that she is a winner in life. Her passion for Irish dancing and her commitment to sharing it with others is an inspiration. We wish her all the best in the upcoming competition and look forward to seeing what she does next!
