Donegal Rose Emma Nelis closed the opening night of the Rose of Tralee TV final in style on Monday, winning hearts with family tales and a moving tribute to her brother Michael.
The 24-year-old teacher from Gartan was the final Rose to be interviewed on Monday night, and used her time on stage to speak proudly about family, Gartan, Glenveagh Castle, teaching and GAA.
Emma also used the moment to include her brother Michael in the night.
“Hello, Michael. You’re watching at home in Donegal,” Emma said.
“Michael was knocked down in 2009 and he has an acquired brain injury. That’s why he’s not with us here tonight, he’s at home in respite.”
Emma highlighted the valuable work of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to have respite or carers come to the house to look after him (Michael). They have been an unreal support to us.”
Her words received warm applause in the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU, where the Rose Selection was broadcast live on RTÉ One.
Donegal Rose Emma Nelis’ proud parents Mary and Michael supporting her in the audience. Image: RTE
The Errigal College teacher was introduced as someone who “grew up jumping bales on the family farm” and now helps young people reach their potential as a teacher in Letterkenny, while still finding time to coach, play football and train for Hyrox.
Asked whether she would have preferred to be first or last on the night, Emma said: “Definitely last.”
The Donegal Rose proudly told Dáithí Ó Sé that she is from “God’s country” – aka Gartan!
“It’s the home place of Saint Colmcille,” Emma said.
She also shared the local tradition of Gartan clay, which is associated with protection against fires and drowning.
Emma also celebrated her family’s unique connection to Glenveagh Castle.
Glenveagh, she said, is “basically a home away from home” for her family.
“My mum’s worked there for coming up on 50 years. She’s retiring now in September,” Emma said.
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“She also used to live there, her and Dad and my sister and my brother.”
Emma explained that after the last owner of Glenveagh Castle, Henry McIlhenny, left, he asked her mother Mary to stay on as caretaker.
“So they moved in and they stayed there for 16 years,” Emma said.
Although Emma was born three years after her family moved out, she later worked there as a tour guide.
There are still a few hidden family reminders inside the castle, she revealed.
“Not many people know this, but if you look up behind a few cupboards, you’ll find some old Spice Girls stickers and wrestling stickers belonging to the family,” she said.
Elegant Emma Nelis spoke warmly about her interests during the Rose of Tralee final. Image: RTE
Emma now teaches History and English at Errigal College in Letterkenny and gave a shout-out to Donegal ETB, her school and her students for their support.
She also paid tribute to her CLG An Tearmainn teammates, who were watching her appearance at home.
“Shout out to my girls here watching in the local,” Emma said.
“They’re a great bunch of girls. They’ve been so supportive, the whole club.”
Termon GAA had plenty to celebrate this summer, having won the All-Ireland Gaeltacht title on the June bank holiday weekend.
Emma also showed off her dancing skills on the night, jiving with escort, Kerryman Kevin Ross, to ‘Stop the World and Let Me Off’.
Our Donegal Rose Emma Nelis and her escort Kevin close out the night with a brilliant jive! 🌹✨#RoseOfTralee pic.twitter.com/exzp4eiuZJ
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) August 17, 2026
Asked if the Rose of Tralee had lived up to expectations, Emma said it had gone far beyond what she imagined.
“It has exceeded my expectations,” she said.
“Even walking in here today for rehearsals, I was like, wow. Because when you watch it as a kid, it’s so surreal being here.”
The Donegal interest continues on Tuesday night, when United Arab Emirates Rose Enya Crone takes to the stage.
Night one also saw Melbourne Rose Mikaela Whitty proudly carry her strong Inishowen roots into this year’s festival.
See more: Melbourne Rose honours her Donegal granny from Tralee stage