Westmeath Rose wins the international title while Kilkenny representative praised for on stage hair cut

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh was last night declared the 2026 Rose of Tralee.

In the second of two televised selection nights at the Kerry Sports Academy the 25-year-old from Mullingar was revealed as the victor by hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Carlow native Kathryn Thomas:

Caoilfhinn had much support after her outing on the first night when she spoke of her alopecia journey and swapped wigs while on stage.

Hair was also to the fore for our Kilkenny Rose Rachel Walsh as she opted to have it cut in aid of LauraLynn’s Locks of Love.

If you missed any of the TV outings you can catch up on the RTÉ Player here.

Yesterday, we also heard from young Rose Bud, eight-year-old Ali Farrell from Radestown (more on that here).