The 2022 Mary from Dungloe has been announced.
Born in London, Caitlin moved to Ballybofey when she was two and a half, and went to school there before doing her Leaving Certificate in Letterkenny. She appeared in a number of pantomimes and plays in Ballybofey and Letterkenny.
She graduated with a teaching degree just two weeks ago in London where she became the first ever female Students' Union Vice President at St Mary's University, Twickenham.
This year the winning Mary was given a new crown, which will be known as the Gay Byrne perpetual crown, in memory of the late, great broadcaster who had a home in Dungloe and who loved the area so much. The crown was donated to the festival by the family.
The winner receives €1,000, a trip to New York, €500 vouchers from Pure Boutique, the Gray Room, McElhinney's and Laveesha jewellery.
The 12 Marys who were interviewed were:
Shannon Hester - Bayonne Mary
Caroline Galvin - Belfast Mary
India Kennedy - Donegal Mary
Ann-Michelle McConalogue - Dublin Mary
Elizabeth (Libby) McCole - Dungloe Mary
Shauna Ní Dhochartaigh - Gaeltacht Mary
Ciara Gallagher-Murphy - Glasgow Mary
Caitlin Finn - London Mary
Saoirse Moloney Stevenson - New York Mary
Olivia Lisokwsi - Philadelphia Mary
Sarah Lawlor - San Francisco Mary
Kaitlyn Likas - Washington DC Mary
Before the winners were announced Mary Ward, festival PRO paid tribute to Deirdre Wilson, the festival coordinator.
She also thanked Daniel O'Donnell - an "absolute wonder" - for his contribution, the backstage team on the night of the crowning cabaret and AVC, who did the camera work.
She also thanked Mary Rodgers for all her photographic and online work, as well as Eoin McGarvey and Gabrielle McMonagle.
As always, she stressed the importance of all the sponsors and thanked them sincerely.
Welcoming the Ukrainians now living in the area, she said: "We hope you had a wonderful experience today and become part of the Mary from Dungloe family."
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Above: Some of the audience at the crowning cabaret
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Above: The judges at the 2022 Mary from Dungloe crowning ceremony. Photos: Mary Rodgers.