Shandon Hotel & Spa Rose Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin has been officially chosen as our Donegal’s Rose of 2018.
Fourteen talented and enthusiastic young Donegal women took part in the Donegal Rose selection event on Saturday 21st April at the Central Hotel Donegal Town. After a night of stories, music and entertainment, Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin the Shandon Hotel & Spa rose emerged as the winning rose.
Niamh had the support of all her family and friends from Tory Island as she gave an impressive interview and performance for judges Rory O’Donnell, Emma Boylan and Zoe McGettigan.
In her interview with MC Lee Gooch, Niamh talked about her love of island life and her community. She is a proud member of Mná Thoraí – a group of women who are campaigning to fighting to save the Ferry Service. When asked by Lee Gooch how Carolynne Harrison the Shandon’s General Manager was to wor for, her response was very endearing confirming that team shandon not only smile in front of the customer but they also smile behind the scenes because Carolynne knows how to motivate her team and she is a very fair boss which is why it is a great place to work.
The Galway student of Irish, Psychology and Performing Arts said she aspires to pursue a career in Law or Teaching, due to her motivation for change and love of helping others. Niamh also works part-time in Penneys Galway in addition to her seasonal job the Shandon Hotel & Spa.
Niamh, who comes from a long line of talented Sean Nos singers, performed a beautiful rendition of Caledonia.
he proud Gaeilgeoir said being Donegal’s representative for the year would open up a world of opportunities:
She said: “It would mean everything to me because of this need that I have to help people. If I had the public platform of being Donegal Rose I think it would help me so much more. It would be a great achievement for me and it would make me so proud to fill Amy’s shoes.”
2017 Donegal Rose Amy Callaghan beamed with pride as she handed over the sash to Niamh on her victory.
Niamh said she felt amazing and gave a special shout out to her family: “My father and my mother are the two hardest working people that I know,” she said.
Niamh will go on to represent the county at the Kerry festival in August, while we’re sure to see much more of the motivated young Donegal woman as she champions her home county throughout the year.
Carolynne Harrison General Manager of the Shandon said she and her team are sbolsutely thrilled and not one bit surprised that Niamh was chosen to represent Donegal. Carolynne confirmed herself and her team all remark how lovely Niamh is to work with and how caring she is to all the hotel’s guests, she also confirmed that she has heard Niamh sing many times during her breakfast shift and she is always supporting and encouraging her team mates with her positivity, confidence and drive.
(Written by Rachel McLaughlin, Donegal Woman)
