Kyna Boyle was last night confirmed as the ‘London Mary’ representative at this year’s Mary from Dungloe Festival.

The 21-year-old, who has strong west Donegal connections, was crowned at a glittering ceremony at the Canopy by Hilton London City hotel. 

Finalists of the London Mary from Dungloe Festival gathered there with friends, family and members of the judging committee for the event.

Kyna, a university student of acting and film, beat a strong field of talented young women. The competition this year to find the best London Mary was particularly impressive with many accomplished contestants from various walks of life, and all with a strong link to Ireland.

Applications were whittled down to five finalists: Nicole Cunningham, Elif Ergisi, Carys Redington, Roisin Kerr and Kyna.

On being named the winner, Kyna was overjoyed. 

Main pic: Kyna Boyle (right) and Bridie Cunningham, Chair of the London Mary from Dungloe Committee. Pics: Brendan Vaughan.

“It is a dream come true for me. I will represent the city of London with pride at the Mary From Dungloe Festival,” she said.

“Every year I visit my family home in Dungloe, arriving just in time for the festival and I stay for the whole duration, attending all the events. I don’t remember a year where I didn’t attend the festival.”

Kyna will be part of the St Patrick’s Day festivities in London this weekend as the 2024 London Mary from Dungloe representative. Over the coming months, she will also be promoting the festival and Donegal at various events around the British capital.

Then, she will go on to represent London at the Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival in Ireland on 27 July–5 August.

Kyna Boyle (centre) with the London Mary from Dungloe Committee Jessica Kelly, Bridie Cunningham, Caroline Gallagher and Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE.