"A childhood dream come true" - Áine McGee

It is a childhood dream come true for Áine McGee to represent her native home at the upcoming Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival.
The 22-year-old was chosen at a selection convention in McCafferty’s bar and restaurant in Dungloe, recently.
Áine said all the girls were ‘deserving’ of winning. The six girls were interviewed by three judges before they made their decision.
MC on the evening, Gavin Boyle, said the judges had a tough job on the night but it was one that unfortunately had to done.
Last year’s winning Mary from Dungloe, the Dubai Mary, Adele Morgan was present for the occasion.
She described the festival as being the best week she ever had.
Living in Dubai, Adele said the school she works in celebrated her win by making a presentation to her. Adelen said she is spreading ‘the word internationally’ about the festival.
She spoke about the work she did in the run-up to Christmas and outlined how much she enjoyed the year. Áine who hails from Meenatotten is the daughter of Daniel and Sarah McGee.
“They couldn’t make it on the evening. They are always such a great support to me.
“When I made the phone calls later, it was very special for them and they were delighted. Dad grew up with the festival as well,” she said.

Áine has three brothers, Liam is 27 and two younger brothers Owen who is 12 and Jack aged 11. She said she grew up looking forward to the festival and enjoyed every aspect of the event.

Áine attended the Rosses Community School and later was a student at the University of Galway.
The marketing graduate is exceptionally proud of her local secondary school where she said the atmosphere was always supportive and bright and where the level of teaching is exemplary.
“The atmosphere was bright, welcoming and warm and the teaching is fantastic. I have many fond memories of being there,” she said.
At the moment she works in PEL in Galway - a waste reduction company where she says she looks forward to going to work each and every day:“I absolutely adore my work so lucky to get it straight out of college."
Despite the fact that she loves living in Galway she says that being away from home makes it even nicer coming home to Donegal.
Many of her fondest memories of growing up in Dungloe are associated with the long-running festival.
Like many young girls from the area, Áine enjoyed seeing the girls coming down the town and admired their manner, their clothes but most of all Áine admired their kindness.
“I just remember the Marys were always so kind. That is what I want to bring to it this year,” she said.
Áine recalls all the women who represented Dungloe in years gone by and speaks about them with enthusiasm.
“It is lovely to be able to get the opportunity to represent your hometown in the festival. It is a priviledge,” she said.
This year The Cope in Dungloe will sponsor Áine and she is very much looking forward to all the upcoming events and chosing what to wear to them.
“It was also very enjoyable to see all the Marys and they always looked so well. I have to admit I am also looking forward to that aspect of it,” she said.
One of Áine’s favourite past-times is going to the gym.
The marketing graduate says she wasn’t always such an advocate of the gym but that when the pandemic struck she found herself enjoying working out.
The Dungloe-native said she is enjoying seeing the festival get stronger every year.
The long-running festival began in 1967. The festival has grown from strength to strength over the years. The 10-day festival usually takes place on the final week in July. Many of those who live away from home return to Donegal to enjoy the festival which has a special place in their hearts.