Rose of Tralee 2026: Standing ovation for Westmeath Rose on night one

The night’s most emotional moments

The first 18 of this year’s 32 International Roses took the stage at MTU’s Kerry Sports Academy on Monday, with Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas hosting a mix of ceol, dancing and a live tutorial on how to make a Derry chicken box.

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, 26, drew the standing ovation of the night after speaking about living with alopecia. She began losing her hair at 15, was wearing a wig by 18, and now studies to become a wig maker. She showed her favourite wigs on stage before revealing her bald head.

"People say it’s just hair, but it’s so much more than just hair. Embrace the imperfections."

Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, Westmeath Rose

Cork Rose Lexi Linnane, at 19 the youngest of this year’s Roses, paid tribute to her late mother Tracey, who died after a stroke. Linnane, who recently raised €4,500 for Cork Stroke Support, danced to Prince’s Purple Rain, a song she said meant a lot to them both.

The remaining 14 Roses take the stage on Tuesday night, when the 2026 International Rose of Tralee is crowned. Coverage begins at 8pm on RTÉ One and streams on RTÉ Player, now home to the best Irish shows.