NEWLY crowned Donegal Rose Emma Nelis was surprised with a student reception at her place of work in Errigal College on Tuesday.
Gartan native Emma was chosen to represent Donegal in the Rose of Tralee at the 2026 selection on Saturday.
She was among 22 participants at the selection, which took place in An Chúirt Hotel in Gaoth Dobhair.
A history and English graduate of the University of Galway, Emma recently completed her Master of Education and teaches at the Letterkenny secondary school.
She was greeted by first year students and staff, who lined the front entrance to Errigal College and cheered on their teacher after her success at the weekend.
Emma was presented with a cake and given a bouquet of flowers by student Natalia Fanneran.
The Donegal Rose win came as a shock to Emma, as she “wasn’t expecting” her name to be called out.
“We were told to unpin our original sashes from our dresses and I didn’t because I didn’t think I’d be called,” she said.
“There were 21 amazing, intelligent girls who were working with charities and they have such a full itinerary in their life, so I thought, ‘not at all.’
“Then when I heard my name being called out, my heart dropped. I couldn’t believe it.”
Emma thanked her colleagues in Errigal College for their support.
“I’m so grateful that I work in such an amazing school with such an amazing bunch of staff,” she said.
“Never have I felt so welcome in a school and I’ve made friends here for life.”
School principal, Mr Danny McFadden, congratulated Emma for her achievement and wished her good luck for the Rose of Tralee.
“We’re very proud of Ms Nelis and I’m sure all our first years will be rooting for her in August,” he said.
“She will be a fantastic ambassador for Donegal and I’m sure she’ll make Donegal very proud.”
Emma proudly represented The Lagoon, Termon in the Donegal Rose selection.
While she didn’t perform a talent, there might be an opportunity to surprise audiences at the festival.
“We haven’t quite figured the details out in that one yet, but I’m sure we’ll get something!” said Emma.
The 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 14-18 in Tralee, Co Kerry.
Emma will hold the Donegal Rose title for two years and takes over from reigning Donegal Rose, Niamh Shevlin from Glenswilly.