Rose Of Tralee Describes Removing Wig On Opening Night As A ‘Highlight’

Photo Credit: Facebook/Rose of Tralee International Festival

She was chosen from 32 Roses.

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has been crowned the 2026 Rose of Tralee.

The 26-year-old from Mullingar was chosen from 32 Roses following two nights of televised selections at the Kerry Sports Academy.

This was the moment her name was announced:

Caoilfhinn's Boyfriend, father and 2022 Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy congratulate her on her win. 

The new Rose of Tralee is describing the moment she took off her wig on the opening night as a "highlight".

She takes over the sash from last year's Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins.

The Mullingar woman has been living with alopecia since the age of 15 and is passionate about supporting others experiencing hair loss.

She says it was a moment she was incredibly proud of:

The 26-year-old says the experience has been "a whirlwind". 

She opened up about living with alopecia while on stage in Kerry on Monday.

She says she was shocked to her name read out last night:

Over 500,000 people tuned in to watch Caoilfhinn win the Rose of Tralee last night.

RTÉ says the average audience for this year's event was up by about 17,000 viewers.

243,000 people used the RTÉ player to stream the competition to choose the 66th Rose.

The broadcaster says people watched from the UK, Spain, the USA, Canada and Australia.

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