Ashling Colton, a recent Fordham University graduate, who co-hosts Ceol na nGael (“music of the Irish”) on WFUV 90.7 FM in New York, will represent New York in the Rose of Tralee International Festival, in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland late next month.

Now in its 50th year, this international competition was inspired by a 19th century ballad, “Rose of Tralee,” about a woman named Mary, who was described as “lovely and fair.” Recently crowned as the New York Rose, Colton will compete with young women from 49 other Irish communities around the world in the contest that is broadcast over Ireland’s RTE over two nights. The winner in the Rose of Tralee competition is chosen based on evaluations of her personality, aspirations and ambitions, intellect, social responsibility and celebration of her Irish heritage. According to direct from WFUV, the radio station’s e-newsletter, Ashling has all these “in spades (or would that be shamrocks?).”

Colton has been co-hosting Ceol na nGael, a popular Sunday afternoon radio show that features an eclectic mix of Irish music, sprinkled with news and sports reports from Ireland, as well as community bulletin board notices, since last June. Her stint as co-host of the four-hour show that marked its 35th anniversary in February, ends on July 26.

The annual Rose of Tralee Festival is set for August 21-25. Although the reigning “Rose” hails from Tipperary, four New Yorkers have been crowned during its history.