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.
13. New York Mary: Nellie Fitzpatrick Nellie Fitzpatrick will represent New York at the 2026 Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival. Nellie is entering her final year at Harvard University, where she is studying neuroscience while also pursuing autism research with the Dulac Lab. Nellie has deep Donegal roots, as her grandfather, the late Patrick Campbell of Dungloe, was a respected author whose work focused on stories and narratives from the region. Her grandmother, with whom she shares her name, is originally from Gaoth Dobhair. Having visited Donegal since she was a child, Nellie remains deeply connected to the county.
Mary from Dungloe
14. Philadelphia Mary: Kylie Brogan Kylie Brogan from West Chester, Pennsylvania, is proud to represent Philadelphia at the festival. Kylie’s strong bond with Donegal comes through her father, Gabriel, who emigrated from Letterbarrow to the United States at the age of 21. A recent graduate of the University of Delaware, Kylie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising. Proud of her Irish heritage, Kylie spent 13 years dancing with the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance, competing internationally and earning both World Championship and All-Ireland medals. She also played Gaelic football and camogie with the Delco Gaels, creating lifelong friendships and strengthening her connection to Irish culture.
Mary from Dungloe
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15. Ulster Mary: Katie Sweeney Katie Sweeney is delighted to represent Ulster at this year’s Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival. With strong family ties to Dungloe through her father’s side, Katie grew up spending her holidays on Cruit Island. Originally from Warrenpoint, County Down, Katie recently completed a Master’s degree in Personalised Medicine at Ulster University and is pursuing a career as a medical scientist, inspired by her grandad Dr Peter “Dodo” Sweeney. She currently works as a Laboratory Technician in a private medical diagnostic laboratory in Belfast. Outside of work, Katie is a creative person with a love for global culture, fashion, culinary pursuits, and the outdoors.
Mary from Dungloe
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