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.

Donegal Rose Niamh Shevlin was delighted to meet Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. She introduced the original Riverdance with Gerry Ryan in 1996 and today she introduced herself and Niamh dancing in Paidi O Se’s pub. Photo: Donegal Rose Centre

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.

In March, Niamh was part of a group of Irish volunteers who officially opened the Irish Dance society in Hands for Hope School, Kampala

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.

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.

Donegal Rose Escort Colton Friel, 28, proudly sponsored by Herron Auto

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.