PICTURES: Meet the new 2026 Tipperary Rose who'll represent the Premier County

​The 2026 Tipperary Rose Selection took place on Sunday, May 31, at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel, as 23 entrants from across the county competed for the chance to represent Tipperary at the International Rose of Tralee Festival.

Clonmel woman Fiona Kennedy was selected from the field of 23 entrants representing towns and villages across the Premier County.

Ms Kennedy, a Home Economics and Religion teacher based in Fethard, was sponsored on the night by Arthritis Ireland, a charity she has a close personal connection with, having been diagnosed with arthritis as a child.

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The event brought together young women from across Tipperary, each hoping to be chosen as the 2026 Tipperary Rose.

The standard of entries was high, making it a difficult decision for the judges to select a winner.

A range of talents were showcased on stage on the night, including Irish dancing, singing and baking, highlighting the diverse abilities of the contestants.

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One of the more unusual moments came from Clonmel contestant Deirdre O’Brien, a tattoo artist and piercer, who carried out a live ear piercing during her stage presentation.

The event was presented by Ollie Turner, who added to the atmosphere on the night, keeping the audience entertained with his quick wit and humour throughout.

As Tipperary Rose 2026, Ms Kennedy will now represent the county at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry, where she will join Roses from across Ireland and around the world for the week-long celebration held in Tralee this August.