Rose of Tralee contestant opens up about alopecia
Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, 25, spoke about her alopecia diagnosis and tried on wigs on stage at the Rose of Tralee.
August 19, 2026
1 min read
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Source: irishexaminer.com
At the Rose of Tralee festival on Monday night, contestant Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, 25, shared her experience with alopecia, revealing that she began losing her hair at age 15. She also tried on her favorite wigs during her on-stage appearance, according to the Irish Examiner.
Ní Choiligh, who founded the support group The Hair Loss Haven, spoke about the emotional impact of hair loss, saying that emotion is not something 'we should apologise for.' Her candidness was met with support from the audience and viewers.
The festival, which celebrates Irish heritage, features contestants from around the world. Ní Choiligh's decision to discuss her condition publicly aims to raise awareness and encourage others facing similar challenges to seek support.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rose of Tralee festival?
The Rose of Tralee is an annual festival held in Tralee, Ireland, that celebrates Irish heritage and features contestants from Irish communities worldwide.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, which can be partial or total. It affects millions of people worldwide.
What is The Hair Loss Haven?
The Hair Loss Haven is a support group founded by Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh to help people cope with hair loss, providing community and resources.
