Katelyn Divilly Reflects on Journey as Ireland’s First Female Traitor

Katelyn Divilly, known as Ireland’s first female Traitor on the popular reality show The Traitors Ireland, has opened up about her emotional journey during the season. The final saw contestants Oyin, Vanessa, and Kelley successfully unmask Traitors Ben and Nick, claiming a prize of nearly €43,000. Despite not winning the cash, Divilly has emerged as a significant figure, inspiring many young women and girls across the nation.

Reflecting on her experience, the 32-year-old from Galway described the competition as both intense and transformative. Divilly has received numerous messages from parents expressing how her participation has encouraged their daughters to pursue their ambitions unapologetically. “Stop, I love it,” she exclaimed when informed of her impact, noting that young viewers have become particularly fascinated by her role.

Raised in the small village of Corrandulla alongside her two older sisters, Divilly has always been competitive. “Going into that [Traitors] environment amplifies that feeling,” she stated. Although she presented herself as a seemingly unassuming character, her strategic gameplay showcased her as a formidable opponent among the original Traitors, especially her fellow contestants Paudie and Eamon.

Divilly’s wardrobe choices reflect her personality; she often shops at charity stores and supports local artisans. “I try to get as much as I can second-hand,” she shared, highlighting a sense of sustainability and individuality. Her friend even crafted the earrings she wore on the show, which she appreciated as a nod to their friendship.

The journey to becoming a contestant on The Traitors Ireland was sparked by her love for a similar game, Avalon, played during her college years. “I applied and just had this sixth sense that I’d be successful in getting in,” she recalled, laughing at the irony of her friends believing in her deceptive skills despite her reputation for honesty.

Once in the castle, Divilly found herself surprised by her ability to lie. Initially, she told fellow contestants that she worked as a wedding celebrant, a role she enjoyed but was not her actual profession as an organizational development consultant. “I really leaned into the dynamics of my real job to help me play the game,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and group dynamics in her strategy.

Despite her enthusiasm, Divilly faced unexpected challenges. “I remember saying to Eamon and Paudie that at some point, we might have to vote for each other,” she noted, realizing the complexities of alliances and betrayals that quickly unfolded. A particularly emotional moment came during “Shieldgate,” when she did not disclose receiving a shield from host Siobhán McSweeney. “That was my hardest day,” she admitted, reflecting on how the pressure impacted her decisions.

Divilly’s vulnerability was evident during emotionally charged scenes, where she expressed genuine tears. “They were real tears!” she insisted, explaining that the intense environment led her to feel overwhelmed. She acknowledged that while her pleas of innocence amid accusations were strategic, her emotional responses were authentic.

The surreal nature of the competition led to unexpected moments, including Nick’s infamous “hug of death” and the subsequent funeral scene. “That whole episode was really unsettling,” she said, sharing how the experience made her reflect on human connections even in a game setting. “I made friends for life there,” she stated warmly, highlighting her strong bonds with fellow contestants.

Throughout the filming, Divilly appreciated the lack of contact with the outside world, which allowed her to immerse herself fully in the game. However, she faced backlash from viewers following her confrontations, particularly after her exchanges with Paudie. “There were lots of gendered comments,” she noted, calling for more thoughtful discussions around women’s assertiveness in competitive environments.

Acknowledging the challenges of being a prominent female contestant, Divilly emphasized the need for respect and understanding in online discourse. “We’re normal people with normal jobs,” she asserted, reminding fans that the show is ultimately about entertainment and strategy.

As she reflects on her time on The Traitors, Divilly expresses admiration for the winners and gratitude for her experience. “I’m so proud of them,” she said, commending Oyin, Vanessa, and Kelley for their strategic gameplay.

Looking ahead, Divilly is keen to explore opportunities in public speaking and media engagement. “I would love to do anything with public speaking,” she expressed, noting the unexpected fame has led to interactions with fans and even romantic proposals in her direct messages.

While she considers returning to the competitive scene, Divilly is focused on her current role as a leadership consultant, working to improve team effectiveness. “I have no regrets,” she affirmed, confident that her journey has shaped her for future endeavors. As she navigates this new chapter, Katelyn Divilly remains a compelling figure in the evolving landscape of reality television, embodying resilience and authenticity.