by Paul McElwee
WITH less than two weeks to go to the annual Rose of Tralee Festival, which sees roses from all over the world descend on Kerry hoping to be crowned winner, Donegal rose Niamh Shevlin has spoken of her excitement.
No stranger to the stage, Niamh debuted as Lead Dancer in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance in 2019.
She won the title of Donegal Rose at the selection night in Donegal Town in front of her proud parents, Mick and Geralyn.
Celebrating from afar was her twin brother Gavin who, like Niamh, is an extremely accomplished Irish dancer.
Currently on a tour of New Zealand, America and Australia with ‘A Taste of Ireland’, Gavin immediately sought dispensation to go home and share in his sister’s special day and will be arriving just in time.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Niamh, from Glenswilly, said: she “can’t wait” for the coming weeks.
“After winning the Donegal heat in April I’ve been looking forward to the Festival later this month. Elaine, who is in charge of the Donegal Rose Centre, has been great at keeping me up to date with everything that’s been going on since I became the Rose and now I’m just looking forward to getting started.
“I’m delighted Gavin will be coming home to join the family and supporters in Tralee.
“He’s my twin brother and we have no other siblings so we’ve always been very close.
“Having him back in Ireland with me for the festival is just the icing on the cake.”
Representing Donegal at the Rose of Tralee will mark a special few weeks for Niamh having just recently qualified as a teacher which, she says, allows her to now fully focus on the competition as she gets things finalised, such as headpieces, stage dress which is being specially made in Belfast and perfecting her talent performance, hoping she actually gets the chance to do it.
“Things have changed a bit from previous years; some roses don’t want to do a talent so don’t bother whilst others do and not all of them get to perform on stage. I’m hoping that I do, as dancing has been a huge part of my life.”
Niamh has been to over fifty countries with the the ‘Lord of the Dance’ production. Coincidentally, her fellow performers will be performing a show in the Gaiety Theatre on the Monday and, depending on which night she’s on, they’ll be crowding around a television to see how Niamh does having sent a heartfelt message of good luck through the production manager.
With 50 fellow Donegal natives travelling with her for both nights, Niamh will be carrying the support of a county with her to Tralee.
Giving a glimpse as to what viewers can expect from this year’s Rose of Tralee, Niamh said: “The show will be quite the eye-opener. For years to come I’ll be fondly sitting down to watch it knowing exactly what those girls will have gone through. I can’t wait to be on the stage representing Donegal.”
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