Reason Rose of Tralee didn't get tiara and the lavish prize she'll get instead
Katelyn, who grew up on a dairy farm and is now completing an electrical apprenticeship, was announced as this year's Rose just before 11.30pm, live on RTE. She was presented with her sash by last year's winner in front of an emotional audience in Tralee.
The Laois woman rose to the top of a strong field of 32 Roses, with co-hosts Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé revealing her as the 2025 champion.
While Katelyn takes home the prestigious title and a prize package worth tens of thousands, one thing is still missing - the iconic tiara. For decades, the winner of the Rose of Tralee was presented with a bespoke headpiece designed by Waterford Crystal and Tipperary Crystal. But in 2022, organisers scrapped the tradition following public feedback.
At the time, Westmeath Rose and 2022 winner Rachel Duffy explained the move. She told Radio Kerry: "For all the young girls out there, it's about developing self-confidence and being okay with being yourself. You don't need a tiara to be a winner."
Since then, RTE confirmed that "there is no tiara" for the winning Rose, a decision that continues to divide opinion.
Instead of a tiara, Katelyn will enjoy a lavish prize package that includes: World travel voucher worth €25,000,
Kia Niro plug-in hybrid car worth worth over €40,000 for her year as Rose
Complimentary stays at the 4-star Meadowlands Hotel every time she returns to Tralee
Free hair styling throughout the year from Brush 'N' Blush Hair and Beauty
Week-long adventure in Kerry, for her and a guest, hosted by Kerry County Council
Despite the impressive rewards, many viewers admitted they still miss the traditional crowning moment. Social media lit up last night with calls to bring back the tiara. Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins (Image: RTE News)
One person asked online: "Is there no tiara for the new Rose of Tralee?" to which someone replied: "They got rid of the Tiara in 2022. The organisers said it was because of public feedback that it was outdated because young girls watching at home would be self conscious about it. They said that its ok to be yourself and that you don't need a tiara to be a winner."
Another asked the official Rose of Tralee twitter account: "Can ye sort out the tiara situation before next year please??"
A third wrote: "I have this issue every year. I hate that there is no crown or tiara for the winner. It's such a let down. It was always so special. Surely something they could reintroduce."
Someone else stated: "Hate the way it end, no tiara or going down to meet her family."
Another joked: "May need to start a gofundme for a new tiara."
Other comments included: "So not the same without the tiara", "Bring back the Tiara....it hasn't been the same since they did away with it" and "Petition to bring back the tiara!"
The debate is nothing new. In 2023, when New York Rose Roisin Wiley went without the headpiece, a fan poll on X (formerly Twitter) showed 87.5% of voters wanted the tiara reinstated.
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