Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has been crowned the 2026 Rose of Tralee after an emotional two nights at the Kerry festival.
The 25-year-old was announced as the winner shortly before 11.30pm on Tuesday night, beating 31 other Roses from Ireland and around the world.
Caoilfhinn, who was presented with her sash by last year's winner Kathlyn Cummins from Laois, was visibly emotional as she was named the 66th International Rose of Tralee.
The 2026 International Rose of Tralee is Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Speaking to co-host Kathryn Thomas moments after her victory, the proud Westmeath woman admitted she was "speechless".
She became tearful as she paid tribute to the other Roses, saying she "could not have done this without them."
"I don't think this is real. I am so overwhelmed," she added.
Caoilfhinn will now spend the next year travelling and attending engagements in Ireland and abroad as she represents the Rose of Tralee festival.
The retail worker is currently studying to become a wig maker, a career path which was inspired by her own experience with alopecia.
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh pictured on stage during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Caoilfhinn lost her hair to the autoimmune condition when she was just 15 and has since become an advocate for people experiencing hair loss.
She is also the founder of The Hair Loss Haven, a group which provides support, events and meet-ups for people living with hair loss.
During Monday night's Rose of Tralee show, Caoilfhinn opened up about her experience with alopecia and explained why she had chosen to speak publicly about it.
"I didn't want people to pity me," she told Kathryn Thomas.
She also explained the significance of hair loss, saying: "People say it's just hair, but it's so much more than just hair."
Caoilfhinn used her appearance on the Rose of Tralee stage to raise awareness of alopecia, showing the audience some of her favourite wigs before taking them off and revealing her bald head.
She encouraged viewers to embrace their differences, telling the audience: "Embrace the imperfections."
Her powerful appearance was met with a standing ovation from the audience.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Caoilfhinn will now wear the Rose of Tralee crown during her year as the festival's winner.
The crown was introduced in 2014 and was designed by Tipperary Crystal. It features 44 hand-cut glass crystals, representing the petals of a rose and the international reach of the festival.
Her prize package includes a world travel prize worth €25,000, as well as the use of a Kia EV3 throughout her year as Rose of Tralee.
She will also receive free accommodation at the four-star Meadowlands Hotel whenever she returns to Tralee during her reign, along with hairstyling from Kerry College.
The new Rose will also enjoy a week-long adventure break in Kerry with a guest, hosted by Kerry County Council.
Rose of Tralee Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh with father and boyfriend. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Caoilfhinn's victory was announced live on RTÉ One by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.
The two-night television event was watched by viewers in Ireland and around the world, with audiences tuning in from countries including Australia, Tanzania, Canada and the United States.
This year's festival saw 32 International Roses come together for five days of events in Tralee.
The Roses took part in street parades, music and entertainment while enjoying the hospitality of the town as part of the Féile Trá Lí celebrations.
