GROWING up in rural Donegal, Emma Nelis watched the Rose of Tralee festival at home with her family every year. It took some convincing for Emma to send in her application for the Donegal Rose. “It was my sister Claire and her friend, Catherine Robinson – she was the 2014 Western Canada Rose,” explains Emma. She teaches at Errigal College in Letterkenny and was honoured with a surprise guard of honour from staff and students upon becoming the Donegal Rose. As the Rose of Tralee looms, Emma feels she has already won with all the experiences she’s had in the last few months.