A young Ballybofey schoolgirl has been given the “chance of a lifetime” after being selected as a Rose Bud for the 2026 Rose of Tralee.
Nine-year-old Ria Scanlon from Sessiaghoneill will be front and centre at the glitzy festival in Tralee next month.
Ria, a pupil at Sessiaghoneill National School, has been chosen from over 300 applicants.
A talented Irish dancer under the guidance of Ursula Quigley and a keen hose riding enthusiast, Ria will get to participate in parades, attend some exclusive parties – and will even feature on the live RTÉ broadcasts.
The daughter of Seanan and Kim Scanlon, Ria can’t wait to get paired with one of the Roses for the 2026 festival. Proud mum Kim could hardly believe it when the call came in recent days.
The 2026 Rose of Tralee takes place from August 14-18 with the televised section, hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, on August 17 and 18.
Teacher Emma Nelis from Gartan is the 2026 Donegal Rose after being crowned in May. Emma teaches English and History teacher at Errigal College Letterkenny and is also a dedicated community volunteer.
Emma will carry the Donegal Rose title for two years under the revamped competition rules, which now allow centres to put forward a Rose every two years.