Westmeath Rose 'on cloud nine' after Rose of Tralee win
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has said she is still "on cloud nine" after being crowned the 2026 Rose of Tralee, describing herself as "so grateful and proud" to have had the experience.
Caoilfhín Ní Choiligh, the newly crowned Rose of Tralee for 2026, has expressed that she is still "on cloud nine" since receiving the honor. The 25-year-old retail worker and aspiring wig maker won over both the audience and judges on Monday night by sharing her personal experience with alopecia. Reflecting on her emotional journey since winning the competition, Caoilfhín expressed her gratitude and pride, stating that winning was never her primary motivation for participating in the event.
She joined the competition to build friendships and form a support network, admiring the Roses for being exceptional women who could create a strong community. Caoilfhín admitted to having reservations about how her alopecia would be portrayed during the Rose of Tralee, wanting to avoid being defined solely by her hair loss while acknowledging how the experience had shaped her.
She aimed to inspire others going through similar hair loss journeys and showcase the power of embracing one's uniqueness.
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