Donegal singer David James has been given the ‘great honour’ of performing the iconic ‘The Rose of Tralee’ ballad at the famous festival finale next week.
The Killea man will join names such as Daniel O’Donnell, Noel Heaslip and Derek Ryan, who have all previously serenaded the winning Rose just after she is crowned.
The moment is almost as renowned as the festival itself and David told Donegal Daily he is ‘delighted’ and excited to be chosen to perform it.
“It’s so lovely to be asked,” he said.
“I grew up watching the show, like pretty much every Irish person.
“I remember seeing all the greats coming out and singing the song.
“To get the opportunity to do that now is unbelievable. I never thought I would.”
David, who is also a radio host, told how RTE rang his manager to ask if he’d be interested in performing the ballad.
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“The man who does the music for The Late Late Show also does the music for The Rose of Tralee.
“He would know me from doing The Late Late and other things. I was really delighted to be asked.”
The Rose of Tralee selection night typically draws well over one million viewers from across the world.
However, so far, David doesn’t feel nervous at the prospect of performing live in front of such a large number of people.
“I’m just really excited, to be honest.
“I know I will be nervous on the day, but I’m looking forward to it now.”
David will be joined on the night by the Garda Siochana Band and will travel to Tralee on Monday for rehearsals.He is hoping to also attend some of the festival while he’s there.
2026 is proving to be quite the big year for David and comes after a number of major concerts, shows and opportunities.
He said none of it would have been possible without the incredible support he has received.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey so far – whether that be booking me for a gig back when I was first starting or coming to see me now.
“So many people have supported me in so many different ways.
“Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”
You will be able to watch David perform on Tuesday night, live on RTE, when the winning Rose is announced.