As the 50th Annual Mary From Dungloe International Festival is in full swing, DonegalWoman.ie is delighted to profile each of the young women taking part in the competition.

Each ‘Mary’ will be introducing themselves here and sharing their story ahead of the 2017 Mary from Dungloe Crowning Cabaret. This special anniversary event will be live broadcast for the first ever time by Donegal Daily, along with Jacksons Media TV. On Sunday August 6th, viewers all over the world can tune in as host Daniel O’Donnell announces the 50th Mary from Dungloe.

You will be able to see the live show online via Donegal Daily’s Facebook page, which can be viewed on your computer, mobile device and streamed on your television.

The Marys are taking part in a week jam-packed with wonderful events across Dungloe and Donegal. They have all taken time to reflect on the festival and tell us what it personally means to them.

Edinburgh Mary Sarah Meechan spoke to Donegal Woman and shared her experience of the festival.

Sarah Meechan, Edinburgh Mary

19-year-old Sarah is currently studying HNC Childhood Practice at college, with the hopes that she can proceed onto university to study Catholic primary teaching. Sarah would also love the opportunity to travel and work with children from all over the world.

 

What Mary from Dungloe means to me

Hi, my name is Sarah Meechan, I’m 19-years-old and representing Edinburgh in the festival this year.

Ever since I was young I have been coming over to Dungloe as I have a family house and my papa’s grandfather was from Keadue.

The festival has always been a huge part of my memories created whilst in Dungloe as my family would always make sure they were over for it.

I was inspired to apply to be the Edinburgh Mary and become part of the festival as it has always been a dream of my gran’s for me to take part and become a Mary.

As I grew up my gran and papa would always encourage me to go in for it, always introducing me to all their friends from Dungloe as the future Edinburgh Mary.

I wanted to enter the festival to be able to represent Edinburgh in memory of my gran and to make my gran and papa proud.

The festival has always been a week where my family have created so many memories starting from when my dad was only a little boy taking part in the children’s racing up the main street.

Sarah says; “Blast from the past! Looking at old photos has got me excited for the festival! I maybe show this photo to a certain man himself!

The festival shows the people of Dungloe coming together and organising such a fantastic week of events, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the town allows people to enjoy the activities and enjoy their holidays.

I am proudly representing Edinburgh in the festival and looking forward to exploring parts of Donegal which I’ve never been before, advertising and promoting the festival and making new friendships and memories which I will be able to keep for forever.

I’m looking forward to the crowning to be able to share some of my most precious memories with everyone and provide the rest of the girls with support when they do their party piece.

I’m sure the festival will be a huge success and I hope to do Edinburgh proud.

You can follow Sarah on Facebook to keep up with her journey.

COMPETITION

Don’t forget, this week Donegal Woman and Donegal Daily are celebrating the Mary from Dungloe International Festival with an amazing competition, click below to find out how to win three wonderful Irish hotel breaks and €1000 spending money.

COMPETITION: Win 6 nights B&B plus €1,000 to celebrate the Mary from Dungloe!