Rose of Tralee contestants prepare, embracing personal style and individuality

Preparations are in full swing at the Munster Technological University campus in Tralee, Co. Kerry, as contestants for the Rose of Tralee finalize their routines and appearances for the upcoming televised show. Participants are committing poems to memory, practicing dance routines, and undergoing hair, makeup, and wardrobe preparations.

The Monday evening broadcast will feature 16 Roses joining hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas on stage. They will share their life stories and showcase their hidden talents before the winner is announced on Tuesday. The show is anticipated to draw a peak audience of over half a million viewers.

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I coincided this whole embracing my hair loss with my decision not to wear fake tan and loving my pale skin because they both work into the beauty standards that we have nowadays.

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, who has alopecia, shared her perspective on beauty preparations. She explained that wearing wigs simplifies her hair care routine, allowing them to be styled in advance. Ní Choiligh, who also founded a support group for individuals experiencing hair loss, has opted not to wear fake tan for the televised event, embracing her pale skin.

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I gave up tan a little while ago. It just didn’t suit me and it was too much work. I can still go without the wig or without the fake tan and feel beautiful, because when you start to lose your hair you really start to lose that femininity and you grieve the person who you were and those beauty standards.

"I coincided this whole embracing my hair loss with my decision not to wear fake tan and loving my pale skin because they both work into the beauty standards that we have nowadays," Ní Choiligh said. She has been wearing wigs for eight years, having started losing her hair at age 15. She also noted that giving up fake tan was a practical decision, as it was time-consuming and did not suit her.

London Rose Ciara Fallon, an A&E doctor, mentioned the logistical challenges of maintaining fake tan during the pre-broadcast tour. Despite the demanding schedule, she expressed excitement for the show and her upcoming hair and makeup session. Nineteen-year-old Cork Rose Lexi Linnane is scheduled to be the first contestant to present.

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Today we are just going over everything and practising. We are having our hair and make-up done this evening. I am not sure how long that will take but I am excited to see what they will do with me.