{"id":645002,"date":"2026-08-19T06:56:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T06:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/645002\/"},"modified":"2026-08-19T06:56:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T06:56:27","slug":"rose-of-tralee-emotion-not-something-we-should-apologise-for-says-caoilfhinn-ni-choiligh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/645002\/","title":{"rendered":"Rose of Tralee: Emotion not something \u2018we should apologise for\u2019 says Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh"},"content":{"rendered":"

The newly crowned Rose of Tralee, who won the hearts of the Irish public, had one message for little girls after her big win \u2013 to \u201cnever let someone dull your confidence and your sparkle\u201d.<\/p>\n

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh<\/a> was crowned on the second election night on Tuesday at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.<\/p>\n

On Monday night, the 25-year-old opened up about her alopecia diagnosis \u2013 and tried on her favourite wigs on stage. The founder of support group The Hair Loss Haven explained how she began losing her hair at the age of 15.<\/p>\n

\" Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh, representing Westmeath, was applauded by her fellow roses after she was named the winner of this year’s Rose of Tralee. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Speaking to the Irish Examiner shortly after her win, she reminded every little girl out there to be their authentic self.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmbrace your imperfections and never let someone dull your confidence and your sparkle because it definitely happened to me. And it took me a long time to try and get that back. And sometimes you do have to push, put yourself out of your comfort zone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was definitely exposure therapy to me on the highest degree, but I think it really helped me really find who I was among the chaos of it all,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Ms N\u00ed Choiligh said the contest put her to the test \u2013 and showed her how resilient she is.<\/p>\n

\n We are so amazing, us Irish women. We are so strong, and we shouldn’t doubt it for a second.\n <\/p>\n

\u201cI’m quite an emotional person; I’m surprised I’m not crying now. But I wear that as a badge of honour. I really do, because emotion is so powerful, and it’s something that I think we shouldn’t apologise for,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ThereThere wasn’t a dry eye in the house as her fellow Roses joined hands with Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh after she was names Rose of Tralee 2026. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

When she was announced as the winner, the Westmeath rose could not hold back her tears.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Surrounded by her fellow roses, Ms N\u00ed Choiligh was left \u201cspeechless\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think this is real, I\u2019m just overwhelmed. I honestly would not have been able to do any of this without these girls,\u201d she told the public after her win.<\/p>\n

\"WestmeathWestmeath Rose Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh with Kathryn Thomas on Monday night. Caoilfhinn went on to win the 2026 Rose of Tralee title. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

The crown was passed on by Katelyn Cummins, who was the first-ever Laois Rose to win the competition last year.<\/p>\n

She had one piece of advice for the new Rose of Tralee \u2014 to enjoy every moment of this \u201conce-in-a-lifetime experience\u201d.<\/p>\n

After the big finale, Tralee experienced \u201cMidnight Madness\u201d as the crowned rose made her way from MTU\u2019s dome to Denny Street in the town centre.<\/p>\n

The rain did not dampen anyone\u2019s spirits as crowds gathered to congratulate the roses under fireworks.<\/p>\n

\"CaoilfhinnCaoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh on stage Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

On Monday evening, emotions ran high as 18 of the 32 roses took to the stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Among those who stood out was the youngest rose in this year\u2019s contest, Cork Rose Lexi Linnane.<\/p>\n

Lexi spoke about the support she received from the \u201cwhole of the rebel county\u201d and of the pain of losing her mother Tracey in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The public cheered loudly as Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh, who lives with alopecia, tried on her favourite wigs on stage.<\/p>\n

This Tuesday, emotions continued to run high as another 14 roses made their stage debut ahead of the big announcement. On stage hair-cutting in aid of charity, doting grandparents and tributes to loved ones taken too soon were some of the highlights of the Rose of Tralee night two.<\/p>\n

How the Rose of Tralee finale played out\u00a0<\/p>\n

An on-stage haircut in aid of charity, doting grandparents, and tributes to loved ones taken too soon were among the highlights of the Rose of Tralee night two.<\/p>\n

Emotions continued to run high on Tuesday, as 14 more roses made their stage debut in Kerry ahead of the big finale.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday night, they took to the stage at the MTU\u2019s Sports Academy, to chat with D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 and Kathryn Thomas.<\/p>\n

Waterford Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

First up was Waterford Rose Cara Comerford, who has a strong Rose of Tralee connection as her grandmother Jean was the Kerry rose in 1967.<\/p>\n

\"WaterfordWaterford Rose Cara Comerford dancing during the Rose of Tralee finale on Tuesday. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

The 21-year-old said because of her late nanny, the contest always held a special place in her family. She said her nanny will be \u201cbeaming\u201d on her \u201clittle cloud for another decade\u201d after seeing her on stage.<\/p>\n

A third-year student in biomedical engineering at Munster Technological University in Cork, Cara is completing work placement with Stryker Neurovascular.<\/p>\n

Galway Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

Next up was Galway Rose Jodie Kenny, a 23-year-old primary school teacher.<\/p>\n

\"GalwayGalway Rose Jodie Kenny chatting with Kathryn Thomas during the Rose of Tralee finale. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

In the audience, her grandfather could not hold back his tears, showing pride for his granddaughter in the form of a brooch pinned to his suit.<\/p>\n

Speaking of her grandparents Martin and Theresa, whom she lives with, she said: \u201cThe two of them are huge influence in my life, I\u2019m very lucky to have them. Every time I come off the bus, he\u2019s bawling, God love him\u201d.<\/p>\n

Jodie took a moment to remember her mother Karen Kenny, nee Faherty, who passed away at the age of 47 after battling breast cancer. Jodie was selected as Galway Rose on her mother\u2019s five year passing.<\/p>\n

Carolina Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

Next up was Carolina Rose Grace O\u2019Halloran, aged 28, who grew up in Connecticut.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"CarolinaCarolina Rose Grace O\u2019Halloran on stage during the Rose of Tralee finale on Tuesday night. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

She has always known about the Rose of Tralee, as her aunt was the Toronto Rose in 1979.<\/p>\n

After losing her father, and her Irish grandparents, she felt like she was \u201cgetting a nudge from heaven to participate\u201d in the contest.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad and I spoke about when we meet again, having a lot of stories to catch up on, and this will definitely be a story,\u201d Grace said.<\/p>\n

Toronto Rose<\/p>\n

Toronto Rose Kylie Paliani, aged 28, works in Oakville.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She works as an associate account manager at Smith & Nephew.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"TorontoToronto Rose Kylie Paliani dancing during the Rose of Tralee finale on Tuesday. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Her mother is from Dublin, her grandmother from Clare and her grandfather from Tipperary.<\/p>\n

She performed an Irish dance for the public.<\/p>\n

Rumour has it her nanny was the last one on the dance floor over the last couple of years. \u201cShe is never off the dance floor, she dances maybe more than I do sometimes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Kilkenny Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

Presenter D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 was not familiar with the hometown of Kilkenny Rose Rachel Walsh, who hails from Threecastles. She studies public relations and media at SETU in Carlow, something that suits her love for storytelling.<\/p>\n

\"KilkennyKilkenny Rose Rachel Walsh on stage on Tuesday night. Picture: Domnick Walsh\" Kilkenny Rose Rachel Walsh getting a haircut from Rose of Tralee co-presenter D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 on Tuesday. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

She recently went back to college after her previous course didn\u2019t suit her. She said her parents were really supportive of her decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve learned over time, rejection is redirection. So if it doesn’t work out for you, you find your path, you pave your way,\u201d she reminded the audience.<\/p>\n

The rose wowed the public as she started to braid her long brunette locks on stage, a move to raise funds for LauraLynn \u2014 a charity which provides supportive care services to meet the needs of children with life-limiting conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said I wanted to do something special to bring awareness to them and to show what we could do maybe,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

She admitted she was a little bit nervous as she braided her brunette locks on stage, before directing D\u00e1ith\u00ed to cut her locks above the elastic band.<\/p>\n

Kerry Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

Representing her native Kerry, Caoimhe Lynch, aged 28, took the stage next. She currently works in Ballymun as a secondary school chaplain and English teacher.<\/p>\n

\"KerryKerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch performing on Tuesday night. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

In 2024, she founded The Light House Project, an organisation which supports communities facing poverty and social challenges. She is currently fundraising to secure a new venue for the project.<\/p>\n

A project she could not fund without the \u201cbrilliant\u201d Killarney people.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Christmas I said I want all the kids in The Lighthouse Project to get a Christmas present, and I sent out a message and put up a post and said, “My car boot will be open if anyone wants to make a present.\u201d Everyone got a present and some got Santa sacks and everything. It was lovely,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

As music also plays a vital role in her life, she also directs The Kingdom Gospel Choir in Killarney, which has over 100 members. With her acoustic guitar, she performed Irish Eyes.<\/p>\n

Louth Rose<\/p>\n

She was followed by the Louth Rose, Chloe Moran, a qualified biomedical scientist who is going into her final year of general nursing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"LouthLouth Rose Chloe Moran with D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 during the Rose of Tralee finale on Tuesday. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Chloe left to attend college in Belfast at a young age.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u200aI was only 16, so yeah, I just went and left. Got away from my brothers because my house was madness,\u201d she joked.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I got up and packed my bags and a whole lot.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wicklow Rose <\/p>\n

Wicklow Rose Carolann McDonald, aged 24, works as a locum pharmacist.<\/p>\n

\"WicklowWicklow Rose Carolann McDonald on stage on Tuesday night. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

A proud member of the Greystones Baton Twirlers, she had the opportunity to represent Ireland at both European and World competitions.<\/p>\n

She gave a quick demonstration with batons alongside host Daithi, before performing a moving dance to Sia\u2019s Angel by the Wings.<\/p>\n

San Francisco Rose<\/p>\n

San Francisco Rose Sarah Johnston, aged 24, hails from San Mateo, California.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She currently works in her family\u2019s restaurant in San Carlos, Johnston\u2019s Saltbox.<\/p>\n

\"SanSan Francisco Rose Sarah Johnston on stage during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

She said her mother is a \u201cproud product\u201d of her Glenullin, Co Derry and Ballydesmond, Co Cork roots.<\/p>\n

After studying furniture design, she called out for anyone with a connection in the crowd, who might help her find her next job.<\/p>\n

She performed her own take of Piano Man, who never \u201cintended to be a singer\u201d but she now has \u201c32 new sisters and brothers\u201d.<\/p>\n

Tipperary Rose<\/p>\n

With a long pink train, the Tipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy walked on stage with style. The 25-year-old secondary school teacher in Home Economics and Religious Education teaches in Fethard.<\/p>\n

\"TipperaryTipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy chatting with Kathryn Thomas. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Despite living with the \u201chidden disease\u201d that is arthritis, the \u201cbig adrenaline\u201d junkie does not let her condition get in her way. She recently completed her first half marathon, raising funds for Arthritis Ireland.<\/p>\n

Joking about her condition, she said: \u201cIf it gets too cold, I can tell a storm\u2019s coming\u201d.<\/p>\n

She added she was \u201cone of the lucky ones\u201d as \u201cmedication works for me\u201d.<\/p>\n

Her father owns a small construction company, and works alongside his girls. In their honour, she competed against Kathryn in a \u2018nail-hitting\u2019 competition.<\/p>\n

UAE Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

UAE Rose Enya Crone celebrated her birthday while on tour, turning 23.<\/p>\n

\"UnitedUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) Rose Enya Crone on stage with D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3\u2019S\u00e9 during Tuesday night’s Rose of Tralee finale. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Born and raised in Dubai to an Irish mum from Donegal and an Australian dad, she She has just completed a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Economics at the University of York.<\/p>\n

Growing up, she spent every summer in Gweedore, Donegal, with her sister. The pair were the first from the UAE to qualify as the Irish dancing World Championships.<\/p>\n

Roscommon Rose<\/p>\n

Roscommon Rose Rebecca Collins, aged 24, revealed that her students helped her design the flowers adorning her gorgeous orange gown.<\/p>\n

\"RoscommonRoscommon Rose Rebecca Collins revealed that her students had helped design her fabulous gown for the Rose of Tralee finale. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

Her sister Jessica wanted to go for the rose, but had a show in Dublin the same night as the selection.<\/p>\n

For the contest, she wrote a poem about \u201cnot having a talent\u201d titled The Reluctant Rose\u00a0\u2014 revealing how she nearly \u201cdidn\u2019t enter\u201d the competition.<\/p>\n

Sligo Rose <\/p>\n

Sligo Rose Bethany McLoughlin, who pursued her love for music and is now a member of the Atlantic Wedding Band.<\/p>\n

\"SligoSligo Rose Bethany McLoughlin chatting with D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 during the Rose of Tralee finale on Tuesday night. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n

The 29-year-old was joined for her first time in Tralee by her parents and her 10 siblings, paying tribute to the \u201cbest family she could ever hope for\u201d.<\/p>\n

After saying she \u201cwasn\u2019t sure whether I was going to talk about it or not\u201d, she chatted about her ulcerative colitis diagnosis.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf something is not right to your body, listen to that and go get a check,\u201d she encouraged.<\/p>\n

Despite being left \u201cin bits\u201d, \u201con the floor sometimes\u201d, she said she does \u201cmy best and keep going \u2014 and added her condition doesn\u2019t define her.<\/p>\n

New York Rose\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last but not least was New York Rose Ciara McGinty, aged 25, who is a first-grade teacher in the Bronx.<\/p>\n

She lives in Woodlawn, where she is surrounded by a strong Irish community. Her mother, Elaine, is from Leixlip, Co Kildare.<\/p>\n

She is the Vice President of the Kildare Association of New York and a delegate for the United Irish Counties Association of New York.<\/p>\n

She performed Dougie MacLean\u2019s song\u00a0 Caledonia, one about \u201cstaying true to your roots\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"RoseRose of Tralee 2026 Caoilfhinn N\u00ed Choiligh flanked by Kathryn Thomas and D\u00e1ith\u00ed \u00d3 S\u00e9 in Tralee last night. Picture: Domnick Walsh\"RiverdanceRiverdance performing at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU, during the interval in last night’s Rose of Tralee finale. Picture: Domnick Walsh\"RosesRoses having the craic at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU, ahead of Tuesday night’s Rose of Tralee finale. Picture: Domnick Walsh<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The newly crowned Rose of Tralee, who won the hearts of the Irish public, had one message for…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":645003,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[75],"tags":[4488,120488,18,117,20033,19,17,1109,888],"class_list":["post-645002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","tag-irish-examiner-instagram","tag-irish-examiner-lifestyle-instagram","tag-eire","tag-entertainment","tag-film-tv","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-media","tag-rose-of-tralee"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/117120874455838808","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/645002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=645002"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/645002\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/645003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=645002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=645002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=645002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}