Mairead McEnroe (Glasgow Mary)
I ARRIVED in Dungloe, super excited to have been given the opportunity to represent Glasgow at the 2024 Mary From Dungloe Festival which started on July 25 and covered a period of 10 busy days. I am no stranger to Dungloe and have watched the Marys every year of my life. Locals would say to me: “Some day you will be a Mary.” I would just laugh at them thinking that would never happen, but here I am Glasgow Mary for 2024—something no one can claim but me!
On Saturday, July 27, we arrived at Lough Meela Lodge, Burtonport, which would be home for the 14 Marys. We received a warm welcome from the owners Clare, Ritchie and family. We attended the Marys meet and greet at the Bridge Inn, Dungloe.
Everyone was nervous and excited to get started. In town, many friendly locals stopped to chat and asked if we had connection to the area. We attended the ‘Bay Along Shorefront,’ where the emergency services showcased their skills. Then it was onto an art exhibition, before attending the official opening of the Mary From Dungloe in The Cope which had been transformed into a beautiful venue for the official opening by Noreen and Sean McGlynn.
On Sunday we attended Mass at St Crone’s Church and later the Country Sunday Concert where we were introduced on stage by the famous Daniel O’Donnell who sang Mary from Dungloe.
Monday saw us attending McElhinneys Store and later the Food Fayre at Waterfront Hotel where award-winning chefs showcased their food and skills.
On Tuesday we visited various festival sponsors and were interviewed on Highland Radio. We visited O’Donnell’s Crolly where we ate some of Donegal’s best ice-cream. Later we attended the fashion show wearing sustainability dresses provided by McEhinneys.
Wednesday was Supervalue children’s sports day where the Marys took part in some of the races. Then it was onto the Crolly Distillery (above), which was the highlight of my day. I enjoyed the history of the factory and tasting their produce. Then it was back to the lodge to prepare for introductions on stage to locals and visitors.
Thursday was La Gaelach and I played my fiddle on Radio Na Gaeltachta, which was broadcast live. Traditional music was being played throughout the town. I joined the Meenacross CCÉ and some St Roch’s musicians. A quick change and it was time for the Waterfront to meet our local Escorts.
On Friday we went to Donegal Airport where we were interviewed by the judging panel. Once this was over, it was time to prepare for the Gala Ball. We had such a good night!
Saturday was watersports day, choosing of the Little Miss Mary and Mr Escort, followed by rehearsals for Sunday.
On Sunday, we attended Mass at St Crona’s Church. Then we all took part in the Festival Parade. Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us—it poured. However, many people lined the route to cheer us on. Later, I took to the stage to represent Glasgow one final time as Glasgow Mary 2024, playing a couple of tunes on my fiddle.
All the Marys supported one another and we made lasting friendships. Our time together went by so quickly, all the events were well planned out for us by the Festival Committee. All the girls were amazing and represented their areas with honour and pride, making our families and sponsors proud and a dream come true for us.
I would like to thank my sponsor Maria Fraioli of the Brazen Head Bar in Glasgow, as without her sponsorship, my attendance as the Glasgow Mary would not have been possible; to Dom Sweeney of Sweeney’s in the Park for sponsoring my ballgown and all my family and friends. A big thank you to the festival godmothers who assisted us throughout our time at Lough Meela Lodge and a special thank you to Angela Medford for all her support throughout my journey, giving me the confidence to take part.
My most memorable moments would certainly include the Country Sunday and meeting all the amazing artists. The Crolly Factory visit was great too. Other highlights included: the fun day with the Mary races; interacting with the children; the shorefront day with the emergency services; and the fashion show where children from the Donegal Down Syndrome Association strutted the catwalk and were just amazing. And, of course the Crowning Cabaret, which was tinged with a little sadness that my time was over, but I was delighted for Clare O’Donnell, the Donegal Mary who was crowned the 2024 Mary from Dungloe.
Kaylin Healy (Edinburgh Mary)
I WAS so fortunate to be selected to represent Edinburgh at this summer’s Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival this summer in County Donegal. It was the first time Edinburgh was represented for several years and it really reignited interest in the festival in Edinburgh. So many friends and family travelled over to Dungloe to support me and enjoy all that goes with the festival, and so many more followed events at home in Edinburgh over the various social media platforms. This really made the whole experience extra special.
The festival ran for 10 days and there was so many highlights that it’s impossible to list them all. Meeting all the other Marys who represented various cities, counties and states from the UK, Ireland, the United States and even Dubai, with all their different backgrounds, and making lasting friendships was most definitely one. There was such a diverse mix of wonderful personalities and qualities amongst the girls, and it was so interesting to hear about all their roads to Dungloe.
I have so many family around The Rosses and Gweedore areas of Donegal, and many now based in other parts of Ireland, but they all seemed to be there. Their support made the occasion so emotional, with some even displaying banners on the day of the Festival Parade offering me good luck and encouragement.
It’s an old saying that people make a place, and that is never truer than for beautiful Dungloe. The kind words, the compliments and the friendly nature of everyone I met in the town was so heartwarming. I loved walking around the town and meeting the locals and visitors at all the various events. There was always a real buzz, from the daily street music, the fun sports day with all the children and wonderful bands who performed in the specially erected marquees, including The Whistlin’ Donkeys and The Tumbling Paddies.
The cultural aspect of the festival gives it such appeal. An annual festival event that I enjoyed so much was the La Gaelach Day. Seeing so many talented traditional musicians and dancers performing in the town was wonderful. The festival offers such inclusivity and this was so evident in the International Cultural Day, where so many different cuisines and traditional dress were on display from around the world. The festival has embraced many nationalities in recent years, and it was lovely to see this continuing.
On that theme, I chose to wear a Palestinian dress (above) for the Marys on stage introduction to the crowds on the main street. This was something I wanted to do, not to be overtly political, but it was my way of recognising the tragic loss of young innocent life in Palestine. It’s something—like for many others—that has deeply affected me and was my way of showing I stand with them. The reaction I received to this from the crowds on the street was so heartwarming and was most definitely a highlight of my week.
Having attended the festival almost every year since I was born, it was such an eye opener to see the festival from the inside. The festival directors Gavin Boyle and Pat ‘Nora’ Gallagher really are a credit to the festival and the town of Dungloe. Both are committed individuals who work tirelessly to make the festival the spectacular event it has become. The organisation and work behind the scenes from so many can only be applauded. Special mention also to the wonderful lady that is Mary Ward. Mary has had a lead or director role in the festival for more than 30 years, and recently stepped back. Mary embraced me and my family with all the kindness you could imagine and it’s something that meant so much to me.
I ended my week, following the Crowning Cabaret, by attending an amazing night in McCafferty’s marquee listening to the incredible Eimhear Ní Ghlacaín and her band. Eimhear offered so much support and for that I was so grateful.
Finally, I must give a massive congratulations to our beautiful and stunning Mary From Dungloe winner, Donegal Mary, Clare O’Donnell, from Letterkenny. Clare will be an amazing ambassador for the festival going forward.
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