Donegal Rose Niamh Shevlin shared a heartfelt tribute to her late auntie in her Rose of Tralee interview this evening.

Opening the show as the first Rose on the stage, the Glenswilly woman talked about what she loved most dearly in life – dance, teaching and family.

The 27-year-old said her journey to Tralee has provided a much-needed boost for her family after a difficult time.

Niamh’s application to be the Donegal Rose was inspired by her late aunt Alyssa Thompson (née Callan), who sadly passed in December.

Speaking to host Dáithí Ó Sé tonight, Niamh said: “My auntie passed away just after Christmas at the age of 44, there was a lot of sadness in the family.”

With the support of her cousin Shannon, Niamh said she hoped her application “would be a lovely tribute”.

Last week, Niamh wowed at the Rose Banquet wearing her aunt’s prom dress which was made by Niamh’s grandmother in 1996.

“I hope she’s proud of me now tonight,” Niamh said.

Niamh attended the Rose ball wearing the dress that her granny made for her auntie’s prom night in 1996. Photo: Donegal Rose Centre

Niamh, who is a champion Irish dancer and Riverdancer, didn’t miss a beat in her party piece themed to ‘Hills of Donegal’.

Transforming her Rose-themed gown into a shorter skirt, Niamh sparkled on the stage and was visibly thrilled by the cheers of her family in the audience.

Niamh is the daughter of Mick and Geralyn from Bomany and has one twin brother, Gavin, who jetted back from New Zealand to be in Tralee this week.

“Me and Gavin are very close, we are more than twins we are best friends,” said Niamh.

“His wins are my wins, this means as much to him tonight as it does to me.”

A newly qualified primary school teacher, Niamh was eager to talk about her passion for teaching dance. Her dedication to Irish culture has developed into weekly Zoom dance classes with students in Uganda.

Niamh told Dáithí about her life-changing visit to Uganda with Irish Aid in March 2023, which led her to forge a lasting connection with school children in Kampala, one of the world’s most impoverished regions.

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