Fifteen ladies have been selected to represent various places at the 59th Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival.
Over the 10 days, the representatives will attend events all in the run-up to the crowning cabaret, where the 2026 Mary from Dungloe will receive her title.
Last year, fifteen ladies were selected and Dungloe Mary Ellie Ward was crowned Mary from Dungloe at the annual Crowning Cabaret. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place from Saturday, July 25, to Monday, August 3.
5. Gaeltacht Mary: Jamie-Mai Nic Giolla Easbuic A native of Mullaghduff, Jamie-Mai Nic Giolla Easbuic will represent the Gaeltacht at the upcoming festival. Having recently completed a degree in Irish and Economics, Jamie-Mai is now studying to become a secondary school teacher. She has a deep passion for the Irish language and spends much of her life immersed in Gaeilge through her work, teaching, and everyday life in the Gaeltacht.
Mary from Dungloe
6. North East England Mary: Molly Russell Molly Russell will represent North East England, having attended the festival many times. Molly works at Newcastle United Football Club and is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider. Irish dancing has been a huge part of her life from a very young age. With 16 years of competitive experience, Molly has competed at regional, international, and World Championship level, achieving success as a regional champion along the way.
Mary from Dungloe
7. London Mary: Eva O’Sullivan With strong Donegal connections, Eva O'Sullivan has been selected as the London representative for the festival. Her grandparents hail from Gortahork, a place that holds a very special place in her heart. She plays the concertina, flute, and tin whistle, and in 2023 was proud to be crowned the All-Britain Concertina Champion. Eva is training to become a primary school teacher and teaches Irish music to children.
Mary from Dungloe
8. Glasgow Mary: Maria Neely Maria Neely is this year's Glasgow Mary and will represent the city at the upcoming festival. With family roots in Gweedore and Curransport, Maria is currently in her third year of studying Primary Teaching at the University of Glasgow. Alongside her studies, Maria works as a Bridal Consultant with Wed2B, helping brides find the perfect dress for their special day.
Mary from Dungloe
2 / 4