Colton Friel selected as Donegal's escort at Rose of Tralee

Colton Friel has been selected as the Donegal Rose Escort at the Rose of Tralee International Festival

Colton will accompany Glenswlly’s Niamh Shevlin, the Donegal Rose and represent the county in Kerry from August 16 to 20.

Donegal Town native, Colton, works at Herron Auto and enjoys playing rugby at the local club. The twenty-eight-year-old is ready to bring his energy and enthusiasm to the Rose of Tralee festival. 

“The story so far is that alongside 31 gents completed the annual rose escort boot camp based in Tralee where we worked on team building, problem-solving and faced the elements and were put through our paces on Beanna beach,” he said. “We have already achieved and completed a lot together as one team of real characters now ready and all set to meet the Roses.”

When describing Colton The Rose of Tralee said: “Colton is not just about cars and conversions, he has the grit and gusto to tackle any issue both on and off the field. His commitment to local sports and community engagement is exemplary whether he's organizing a charity event, coaching young athletes, or simply lending a hand where needed. He is here to represent Donegal with pride, passion and a touch of Donegal charm.”

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running festivals. Every year more than 30 International Roses come to Tralee, supported by friends and family and Rose Escorts have been an integral part of the Festival since its inception. 

Roses, travel from the UK, America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and of course Ireland to take part in the festival. Representatives have been selected for Cavan, Chicago, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Dubai, Dublin, Florida, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, London, Louth, Melbourne, Monaghan, Newfoundland & Labrador, New York, North Carolina, New Zealand, Ohio, Perth, Roscommon, San Francisco, Sligo, Sydney, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wicklow and Yorkshire

First held in 1959, The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s longest-running festivals. The festival comprises The Rose of Tralee selection, carnivals, a fashion show, live music, funfair, markets and traditional Irish Entertainment. 

Roses will take to the stage at the Dome in the Kerry Sports Academy MTU on the last two days, August 19 and 20.