Niamh Gavigan reveals why she tried her best to become this year's Donegal Mary.

Donegal Mary : NIamh Gavigan

Each ‘Mary’ will be introducing themselves on Donegal Woman 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.

Niamh Gavigan, aged 19, from Kilcar tells us about how her inspirational grandparents are to thank for her joining the exciting experiences this week.

My name is Niamh Gavigan and I come from a small village named Kilcar, along the Wild Atlantic Way. The week that is to come is something I have always fantasised about doing from a young age.

It all started, really, with coming to the festival every year with my family to see the beautiful Marys, and of course my dear nana and grandad of Dungloe (Bridget and Neil McGee of Meenmore).

For years my nana encouraged me to be a Mary when I was of the right age, and because it was the big 50th year of such a successful festival, I thought I would try my best to become the Donegal Mary of 2017.

Unfortunately, my grandparents are no longer here with me to witness me go through such an exciting and amazing experience, however, I will try my best to do what I can as the 2017 Donegal Mary alongside the other lovely Marys from far and wide.

So far, the experience has been amazing. The girls I have met are all stunning and it feels as though I have known them a lot longer than what I actually have. I know already, there’s a bond between us all, which is not something you would find with every group of girls.

The support and encouragement I have received from locals in Kilcar is amazing, from my ladies GAA team, CLG Chill Chartha, to the local church.

I have even noticed in the local SuperValu of Killybegs in which I work, people I would barely know have wished me all the best, which just shows how “tight-knit” and supportive communities are.

I definitely am extremely lucky to have such a great bunch of people behind me for the festival and I hope I do them all proud. I look forward to meeting everyone involved in the festival and visiting the festival, and I truly hope everyone has a blast.

 

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.