The 2017 Mary from Dungloe was chosen last night as Glasgow Mary, Alisha Medford,

Alisha, a 20 year old law student, represented her home city and told host Daniel O’Donnell about her faith, her volunteer work and the committee she established in Glasgow – Donegal Heart.

Her family proudly waved the Glasgow flag throughout the night and cried tears of joy when she was announced as the 50th Mary from Dungloe.

Alisha Medford – Mary from Dungloe 2017

2017 Mary from Dungloe is crowned: Glasgow Mary, Alisha Medford,

More than 600 people packed into Rosses Community School in Dungloe on Sunday 6th August to watch the crowning cabaret.

And for those not lucky enough to get tickets to see the event live, tens of thousands of people from around the world watched in live on Donegal Daily.

Comments flowed in from around the world including Australia, Norway, Scotland, New Zealand and the USA.

2017 Mary from Dungloe is crowned: Glasgow Mary, Alisha Medford,

And once again Daniel O’Donnell proved what an amazing ambassador he is for our county after doing a superb job hosting the show.

There were some amazing moments during the crowning cabaret as the sixteen Marys sang, danced and recited poems.

And here were some funny moments too when one of the Marys threatened to give our Daniel a ‘buzzcut.’

Among the many familiar faces at the crowning cabaret was Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and Majella O’Donnell.

The unenviable job of picking this year’s Mary fell to a number of judges including Riverdance founder Moya Doherty and singer Malachi Cush.

Chairperson of the Mary from Dungloe Festival, the wonderful Mary Ward, received a standing ovation.

The Escort of the Year was bestowed upon Callum Keaveny who showed off his amazing guitar and singing skills.

Following the ceremony, Alisha was brought through Dungloe Main Street by cavalcade before a huge celebration in the Waterfront Hotel Dungloe.