A Night of Triumph in Kerry
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has been crowned the winner of this year's Rose of Tralee festival, triumphing over 31 fellow Roses over the two-night event in Kerry. The 25-year-old said she was "speechless" as she was announced the winner just before 11.30pm on Tuesday night, and was presented with her sash by last year's winner, Laois woman Kathlyn Cummins. With this victory, she becomes the 66th International Rose of Tralee.
Speaking to co-host Kathryn Thomas, the "proud Westmeath" woman shed tears as she paid tribute to her fellow Roses, saying she could "not have done this without them." She added, "I don't think this is real. I am so overwhelmed." Caoilfhinn will now embark on a year of travel and engagements representing the festival in Ireland and abroad.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Caoilfhinn's path to the crown was marked by personal doubt. She told RSVP Live that she initially did not think she was good enough to enter, despite having watched the festival growing up. "I obviously would have seen the festival growing up and thought they were amazing women, but I didn't think I was good enough, so I never really thought of applying," she said. She turned 25 last year and wanted to push herself again, feeling she had lost some of the activities that made her who she was. "I wanted to say 'yes' to as many opportunities as I can, and to build on the confidence that I used to have," she explained.
Her motivation to apply came after seeing a Facebook post from the Westmeath Rose Centre. "I actually saw a post on Facebook about the Westmeath Rose Centre, and was like 'Oh, that was something I thought of doing maybe years ago, is this the year that I do it?'" she recalled. However, self-doubt nearly derailed her: "We self-doubt a lot, like I was going to pull out before my selection," she admitted, adding that she had a conversation with her partner about it.
Raising Awareness of Alopecia
Caoilfhinn, who has had alopecia areata for ten years, used the Rose of Tralee stage to raise awareness of the autoimmune disease. On Monday night, she opened up about living with the condition, telling Kathryn Thomas, "I didn't want people to pity me." She showed and tried on her favourite wigs before revealing her bald head, telling the audience "Embrace the imperfections" to a standing ovation.
Caoilfhinn works in retail and is studying to become a wig maker, a path she was inspired to take after losing her hair to alopecia at 15. She is also a founder of The Hair Loss Haven, a group offering support, events, and meet-ups. "People say it's just hair, but it's so much more than just hair," she explained.
The Prize and the Festival
As the winner, Caoilfhinn will receive a prize package that includes complimentary accommodation at The Meadowlands Hotel, a €25,000 prize fund, and a brand new fully electric Kia EV3 worth over €40,000, as reported by RSVP Live. RTÉ's coverage adds that the prize includes a world travel prize valued at €25,000, use of a Kia EV3, free accommodation at the Meadowlands Hotel, hairstyling by Kerry College, and a week-long adventure break in Kerry.
The crown itself was introduced in 2014 and designed by Tipperary Crystal, featuring 44 hand-cut glass crystals to symbolise the petals of a rose. The victory was announced live on RTÉ One by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas from Kerry Sports Academy at MTU, with viewers tuning in from Ireland, Australia, Tanzania, Canada, and the United States.
The festival saw 32 International Roses participate over five days, enjoying street parades, music, and entertainment as part of Féile Trá Lí. Some hopefuls came from as far away as Australia, underscoring the event's global reach.