Rose of Tralee to be grand marshal at Mullingar Pride

Westmeath Rose and 2026 Rose of Tralee winner, Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, has been announced as the grand marshal of the Mullingar Pride Parade on Saturday, September 5.

Caoilfhinn won the respect and support of the public, her fellow contestants and the judges at the 2026 Rose of Tralee competition, and received a standing ovation after speaking openly about her experiences with alopecia, trying on her favourite wigs and encouraging the audience to “look on the bright side” and “embrace the imperfections”.

As grand marshal of Mullingar Pride, Caoilfhinn will be the honorary public face who leads this year’s parade. “We are beyond delighted that the Rose of Tralee is joining our Mullingar Pride celebrations,” said David Rinehart, chair of Mullingar Pride.

“Caoilfhinn is an absolute legend and an amazing role model. The way she demonstrates self-acceptance and self-confidence has moved us so much and we can’t wait for our community to share the love and acceptance Caoilfhinn exudes.”

The fifth annual Mullingar Pride festival kicks off with a Queer Comedy Night on Thursday September 3 in Colombia Bar at 8pm. On Friday 4 September there will be a Trans Punk gig in The Chambers at 8.30pm.

A Family Fun Day will take place at 2-5pm in Mullingar Town Park on Saturday 5 September, featuring live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle, as well as ice-cream, coffee and food vendors. The parade will begin in the park at 3pm during the fun day.

Later that evening a DJ and Drag Night, which will also include a fundraising raffle, takes place in The Final Fence from 7pm. A barbecue in The Chambers on the afternoon of Sunday September 6 will conclude this year’s events.

Mullingar Pride is an inclusive event and during the parade the bouncy castle, face painting and food vendors in the town park will remain open to accommodate neurodivergent children and their families who might prefer to enjoy the fun during a quieter time.

There are more 30 regional pride events all over Ireland, from May to September, embracing the diversity within all communities and reminding everyone it’s ok to be yourself and love who you want.

In the midlands, Athlone introduced the inaugural Heartlands Pride in June, Offaly Pride took place in July, Longford and Roscommon Pride were held in August, and Mullingar and Laois Pride are celebrated in September.