Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh named 2026 International Rose of Tralee

CAOILFHINN NÍ CHOILIGH NAMED 2026 INTERNATIONAL ROSE OF TRALEE
THEY'VE DONNE IT AGAIN - CAOILFHINN IS THE SECOND WESTMEATH ROSE TO BE SELECTED AS THE ROSE OF TRALEE 

TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2026: CAOILFHINN, aged 25, has been named the 2026 International Rose of Tralee, becoming the second Westmeath Rose to take the title.Caoilfhinn balances her retail work with studying to become a wig maker, a path inspired by losing her hair to alopecia at 15 years of age. Caoilfhinn was presented with her sash by the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, shortly before 11.30pm following the live announcement on RTÉ from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU.   

The announcement was made by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, following two nights of live television coverage of the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which was broadcast to audiences in Ireland and around the world.Following the announcement, a shocked Caoilfhinn was whisked into Tralee town centre where to be presented to the town of Tralee and serenaded in front of the thousands of people that have lined out for Midnight Madness and a spectacular fireworks display. Caoilfhinn was presented to the people of Tralee and serenaded as the town celebrated the announcement of the 2026 International Rose of Tralee.Speaking immediately after being announced, Caoilfhinn said:“I would not have been able to any of this without these girls, I’m speechless!”As the 2026 International Rose of Tralee, Caoilfhinn will embark on a year of travel and engagements representing the Festival in Ireland and internationally.

As the 2026 Rose of Tralee, Caoilfhinn's prize package includes:World travel prize valued at €25,000Kia EV3 for her yearComplimentary accommodation at the four-star Meadowlands Hotel whenever she returns to Tralee during her yearHair styling provided by Kerry College during her yearA week-long adventure break in Kerry for Caoilfhinn and a guest, hosted by Kerry County CouncilThe 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival brought 32 International Roses together in Tralee, representing communities across Ireland and around the world.Over five days, the International Roses, Rose Escorts and Rose Centres took part in a programme of parades, music, entertainment and community events across Tralee, as part of the Féile Trá Lí street festival which coincided with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

ENDS

MEDIA INFORMATION

Press conference with the 2026 Rose of Tralee will take place at 10:30am on Wednesday 19 August at the Rose Garden in Tralee Town Park, with availability for phone/virtual interviews.

For interview requests, please contact the Media Team by email to: communications@roseoftralee.ie Repro-free images available from Domnick Walsh Photography on +353 87 2672033 or email info@dwalshphoto.ie Interview requests for Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas can be made directly to linda.pototzki@rte.ie