Overview
- Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh was announced as the 66th International Rose of Tralee on Tuesday night after competing against 32 fellow Roses during the two-night festival in Tralee.
- She used her opening-night segment to show favourite wigs, remove a wig on stage and reveal her bald head, urging the audience to “embrace the imperfections” and receiving a standing ovation.
- Ní Choiligh, 25, works in retail, founded The Hair Loss Haven to support people with hair loss, and is training to become a wig maker inspired by her own alopecia diagnosis at 15.
- The selection was broadcast live on RTÉ One and made available on RTÉ Player, drawing viewers from Ireland and overseas and prompting widespread emotional reaction in rolling coverage.
- As winner she receives the Rose of Tralee crown and will spend a year of travel and engagements representing the festival along with prizes that include a world travel package and a car.