The 26-year-old was announced as the winner just before 11.30pm on Tuesday night. Caoilfhinn became the 66th winner in the history of the festival after presenters Dáithí Ó’Sé and Kathryn Thomas spoke to 32 Roses from across Ireland and further afield.
Dublin Rose Suad Mooge had been hotly tipped by the bookies on Monday night, with the Westmeath Rose tipped as second favorite for the 2026 Crown.
However, Caoilfhinn from Mullingar had viewers calling for her victory, featuring an emotional segment where she opened up about living with alopecia areata.
The autoimmune condition results in the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles. Caoilfhinn was 15 years old when she began losing her hair.
During her appearance, the Westmeath Rose bravely removed her wig live on stage, before trying on some of her favorite wigs. She continued the inspiring conversation with her head uncovered.
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh spoke about her battle with alopecia.
Sligo-born Dub favorite Suad Mooge was another inspirational Rose on Monday, as she shared her reaction to racist abuse she had received in recent months.
The 26-year-old is a doctor at Beaumont Hospital and was reared in Dublin in a Somali family.
Speaking to Kathryn on Monday about the racism, Suad admitted she wasn’t shocked but was a "bit disappointed."
"I have experienced racism before but I was a bit disappointed especially when people were questioning if I’m Irish," she explained.
Sligo-born Dub favorite Suad Mooge.
The Leitrim Rose was another major favorite on Monday evening.
21-year-old Carrifavoritennon woman Catherine Cullen showed off her sean-nós dancing and lilting on the night.
The physiotherapy student is self-taught in lilting and won the All-Ireland Senior Lilting title at the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
On Tuesday, Dáithí and Kathryn met with a further 18 Roses, including the Roscommon Rose and London Rose, who were among the most anticipated for the second night.
24-year-old secondary school teacher Rebecca Collins flew the flag for Roscommon, and did so buoyed by her pupils at Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone.
Ultimately, there was only one winner, with Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn crowned the 2026 Rose of Tralee.
She takes over the role for the next year, following on from Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins last year.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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