Meet our Glasgow and Edinburgh Marys

WITH the latest installment of the Mary From Dungloe Festival fast approaching, it’s time to introduce to our readers this year’s Glasgow and Edinburgh Marys, namely Niamh Brown and Maria O’Donnell.

First up is 26-year-old Glasgow Mary, Niamh Brown (above) from Cambuslang who has connections to Donegal via three of her grandparents, with the main link coming from my late Granda, Tony Mai Gallagher of Mullaghderg and Mullaghdubh.

“My Granda ran the bus from the Gorbals to Dungloe for many years, becoming a familiar face within Glasgow’s Irish community,” Niamh said. “He transported many people from the Glasgow diaspora over to the festival every year. I can recall as a child, being in my Granda’s house, and taking phone bookings for people who were looking to travel to the festival. He was a true character and loved by so many people. This has really been brought to my attention since being chosen as the Glasgow Mary, with people that I have met quick to tell me stories about being on my Granda’s bus, and how it felt like you were surrounded by family. By being part of the festival this year, I hope to carry on his connections, as well as make my own.”

After having lived in Chicago for two years in her teens, Niamh returned home and obtained a Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Stirling University and now works as a Human Resources Advisor for globally renowned whisky makers, Whyte & Mackay, who are the owners of famous single-malt brands such as Dalmore and Jura.

In her spare time, she is a keen runner, having competed in athletic competitions since the age of 10, with the highlight being becoming two-time Scottish Schools Champion, once in cross country and once in 1500m. She trains five days a week with Falkirk Victoria Harriers, competes across distances from 800m to half-marathon and has taken part in races all over the world, with her running highlight being competing in the Carrickfinn Coastal 10K last year, where she got to take in amazing views of the Rosses, including Mount Errigal and Carrickfinn beach. This year she plans to focus on the Ibiza and Copenhagen half-marathons.

But getting back to the festival, Niamh has already taken part in many events as Glasgow’s representative such as attending the St Patrick’s Day Parade and subsequent festivals in Glasgow and Coatbridge, as well as a St Patrick’s Day event at the Consulate in Edinburgh. She has also drawn the Paradise Windfall at Celtic Park and attended Scotland GAA’s gala fundraising dinner for Pearse Park Centre for Culture and Sport.

“It will be a pleasure to represent our beautiful city in the 58th Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival,” Niamh said. “My journey has only begun and it’s been nothing short of amazing. I am proudly sponsored by Grace’s Glasgow Irish Centre, next to Grace’s Bar, in the heart of Glasgow. With such a supportive sponsor, I will be given more opportunities to connect with the Glasgow-Irish community and celebrate the shared heritage between Glasgow and Donegal. Grace’s host free weekly Gaelic speaking events, as well as many Irish-themed evenings, which I am really looking forward to being involved with. By having Grace’s as my sponsor, it will undoubtedly help raise awareness of the festival and attract new faces to Dungloe. I will leave Glasgow to the sound of cheers when I celebrate my adventure in style with a leaving party, hosted by my sponsors.”

As The Irish Voice went to press, Niamh was set to be welcomed and introduced on stage by Foster and Allen at their show in Glasgow Pavilion Theatre on April 17 and then with Daniel O’Donnell at his concert on May 7. She will also be present at Ceann Creige’s Culture Day on May 31 at the Clydebank Community Sports Hub.

Niamh concluded: “I would like to welcome you all to Dungloe this summer. If you can’t manage in person then please follow me on Facebook or Instagram, where I will keep you, all posted on this amazing experience. I would like to thank you for all the support and encouragement shown and look forward to saying hello along the way.”

Meanwhile, representing Edinburgh is Donegal native, Maria O’Donnell (above), who, after currently pursuing a nursing degree at Stirling University, now works as an acute care nurse in an acute assessment unit. She is delighted to have been chosen as the Edinburgh Mary for this year’s festival and took time to share with The Irish Voice a little about her background.

“I’m so excited to have been selected to represent Edinburgh at this year’s Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival,” Maria said. “Growing up in a close-knit family of six in Annagry, County Donegal, with my mum, dad, two brothers and sister, really shaped my values and instilled in me a strong desire to help others. Those family bonds have always been a source of strength and inspiration for me.

“I attended primary school in Annagry and then moved on to Rosses Community School in Dungloe for secondary education. After completing my studies, I pursued a Level 5 in Health Service Skills at Errigal College in Letterkenny. This experience was invaluable, as it provided me with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work in healthcare. I spent three years working in a nursing home, which ignited my passion for care and solidified my commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.

“Taking a big step, I applied for nursing at the Stirling University in Scotland. Moving to a new country was an exciting adventure, and I dedicated myself to a three-year nursing degree. Now, in my job I face new challenges every day and have the opportunity to positively impact my patients’ lives. The journey was challenging but incredibly rewarding and I’m grateful for the experiences that led me here.”

Outside of work, Maria has a deep love for nature and enjoys hiking to explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes. Another of her passions is art, which allows her to express her creativity through painting and drawing. She also joined the boxing team at university, which she feels has been a fantastic way to relieve stress and build confidence. She loves discovering new places, whether nearby or far away, as each adventure adds to her life experiences. Spending time with family and friends is also incredibly important to her and she always look forward to creating lasting memories together.

“Attending the Mary from Dungloe Festival each year was a highlight of my childhood, and now being a part of it in representing Edinburgh is truly a dream come true!” Maria said. “I grew up going to the festival every year and it was always a highlight for me—an opportunity to celebrate the amazing qualities of our local area, from its culture and arts to the wonderful people and the community spirit of those who dedicate their time to organising the festival and its many events.

“I’m really excited to meet all the Marys! I've already had the pleasure of meeting my fellow Scottish Mary, Niamh Brown the Glasgow Mary, at an event in Edinburgh and she was lovely. I can’t wait to head back home to Donegal and explore its stunning landscapes. Donegal is full of hidden gems, and there’s always something new to find. I’m grateful for the support from my family back home in Donegal, my sponsors at the Edinburgh Emerald Irish Social Group, and everyone who has supported me since being chosen as the Edinburgh Mary. I hope to make you all proud in the upcoming months.”