Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh Crowned 2026 Rose of Tralee After Sharing Alopecia Journey

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has been crowned the 2026 Rose of Tralee, marking a significant moment at the conclusion of the annual festival held in Co. Kerry.

Ní Choiligh captured attention and hearts when she openly shared her personal journey with alopecia during the competition. She presented a selection of wigs before removing the one she was wearing to reveal her hair loss to the audience. Having experienced hair loss since the age of 15 and worn wigs for eight years, Ní Choiligh's candor resonated deeply.

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I’m actually speechless. I don’t think this is even real. I honestly would not have been able to do any of this without any of these girls they have been so amazing.

"I'm actually speechless. I don't think this is even real. I honestly would not have been able to do any of this without any of these girls they have been so amazing," Ní Choiligh expressed upon receiving the title. She succeeds Laois woman Katelyn Cummins, an electrical apprentice, who advised her successor to "take in every moment of the experience ... And don't forget to be yourself."

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take in every moment of the experience ... And don’t forget to be yourself.

Ní Choiligh also spoke about her decision not to wear fake tan for the live show, linking it to her broader embrace of her natural self, including her pale skin and hair loss. She stated, "This coincided with 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." Beyond her pageant participation, Ní Choiligh is studying wig making and runs a support group called The Hair Loss Haven, which offers support, events, and meet-ups for individuals affected by hair loss. She has also been involved in youth initiatives.

The festival, co-hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, featured performances by The Frank and Walters and Riverdance. The judging panel included RTÉ broadcaster Nuala Carey, fashion designer Don O’Neill, Aisling Murphy of Murphy Homes, and 1974 Rose of Tralee Maggie Flaherty. The winner receives a prize package including a car for a year, hotel stays, hair treatments, and a €25,000 travel bursary, with the stipulation that the funds must be used to represent the festival.

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This coincided with 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.