Rachel praises “charming” Caoilfhinn following Rose win
When Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh was announced as the winner of the 2026 International Rose of Tralee Festival it evoked special memories for the previous Westmeath Rose to win the coveted crown, Rosemount's Rachel Duffy.
The 2022 Rose of Tralee winner was amongst the large contingent of Westmeath supporters who travelled to the County Kerry town for the 67th hosting of the festival and "shrieked with pure delight" when Caoilfhinn's name was called out as the 2026 winning 'Rose' by co-presenters Kathryn Thomas and Daithí Ó'Sé.
"It was such an unbelievable experience to hear Caoilfhinn's name being called out as the 2026 Rose of Tralee. I actually think I enjoyed the moment more than when I was announced as the winning Rose in 2022," Rachel said.
Rachel said that it is "difficult to process" the moment when you are chosen as the Rose of Tralee, adding that she was "fortunate" to be able to experience Caoilfhinn's "special moment" with the Mullingar native's family and friends in the immediate aftermath.
Rachel initially met Caoilfhinn at the Westmeath Rose selection process and immediately sensed a "charm" and "charisma" from the time spent in her company.
"You just can't help but be drawn to her and I am sure that played strongly on the judges' minds when they were choosing this year's Rose of Tralee winner," Rachel added.
The 25-year-old became only the second-ever Westmeath Rose to win the international accolade, stealing the hearts of the nation by sharing her story of living with alopecia areata, an auto-immune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles.
After losing her hair to alopecia at the age of 15, Caoilfhinn turned that experience into something deeply meaningful by creating The Hairloss Haven, a group which supports women experiencing hairloss, and is now studying to become a wig maker alongside her work in retail.
"When Caoilfhinn spoke during her live television interview her personal message simply resonated and she is an inspiration to so many. After listening to her I texted Stephen Cronly, the Rose of Tralee Director of Operations, to tell him that Chaoilfhinn was my winner," Rachel stated.
Even though it is only four years since Rachel won the coveted crown, she was not concerned that being from Westmeath would hamper Caoilfhinn's chances of being selected as the 2026 Rose of Tralee.
"The general public see the live television coverage, but there is so much that goes on behind the scenes from when the 32 Rose contestants first meet up to gauge who the judges will choose as the winner," Rachel said.
Rachel was in regular contact with Caoilfhinn and Roscommon Rose, Kiltoom's Rebecca Collins, in the weeks leading up to the Rose of Tralee Festival as the respective 'Roses' sought her advice about what was to come.
"It's great that I am in a position to offer them my advice and that they felt they could reach out to me. It can be a whirlwhind experience, quite overwhelming, from when you first arrive in Tralee, but once you get on the bus for the traditional 'Rose' tour all the worries subside," Rachel said.
Caoilfhinn's success ultimately crowned what was yet another "memorable experience" for Rachel, her fourth visit to the renowned festival since being crowned winner in 2022.
"It's always a week that brings back so many special memories. To meet all the former winners is in itself a reason to return to Tralee year after year. It is great to be able to celebrate women on a national and international stage and I am so, so lucky to be part of that," Rachel stated.
Winning the Rose of Tralee "transformed" Rachel as a person and allowed her to "make memories of a lifetime". She is hoping that winning the 2026 crown will have a similar positive impact on Caoilfhinn's life journey.