43rd Mary from Dungloe festival gets underway
The 2010 Mary from Dungloe festival got underway at the weekend and despite a 30% cut in this year's budget the organisers have put together a packed programme of events for the 10-day festival.
Celebrating its 43rd year, the 'Mary' festival will host fourteen girls from around the world in the west Donegal town for the competition to see who will emerge as the 43rd Mary from Dungloe on Sunday night,
August 1st.
This year's event was officially opened on Saturday night by Donegal Person of the Year Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altn who spoke of the importance of such an event for the county's economy.
Mairead, from nearby Gweedore said: "I grew up with Mary from Dungloe, the festival, the song and the craic and it's such a wonderful annual event that deserves huge support. It's so important to see the community spirit especially at a time when the economy is at a low," she said.
Festival director Tricia Gallagher revealed a 30% cut in this year's budget but said they have still maintained a great programme with events for all ages.
"We have something there for everyone and we hope people will come out and enjoy the events and the festival. It's a fun filled family event and its all systems go," she said.
The festival is estimated to be worth several million euro to the local economy as accommodation providers, pubs, food outlets and the retail sector in general benefit greatly from the huge influx of visitors.
Singer Daniel O'Donnell makes a return to the festival this year following an absence of several years and will play a one off gig in the local gymnasium on Monday night August 2nd.
Mary's with Donegal links
This year's participating girls come from Ireland, Scotland, England and the USA, many of them having close Donegal or at least Irish connections. The host girl this year is 21 years old Carrie Murray from the town of Dungloe who will ensure the visiting girls get to see the sights and enjoy their stay in her home town.
Last year's winner Kate Ferguson from Derry will hand over her crown on Sunday, August 1st after what she has described as a "fantastic year".
Solicitor Kate, 26, said: "I had a fantastic time representing Dungloe and the festival and will be sad to hand over the title. It was a fun year meeting people and being involved in festival activities. This year's girls are all really lovely and they'll have an enjoyable week in Dungloe."
The winning 'Mary' on August 1st will receive an array of gifts including a cheque for €1,000, Galway Crystal, Newbridge Jewellery and will carry the title of Mary from Dungloe for a year.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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