By Eoin McGarvey
A Dubai based but Glasgow born primary school teacher who has strong connections with Co. Donegal was selected as the 56th Mary from Dungloe on Sunday night.
Adele Morgan, 28, was chosen by the judges from the 14 wonderful entries who represented Irish centres throughout the world and here at home.
With a Masters in Education from the University of Glasgow, Adele’s dedication to understanding and enhancing education is evident.
Her A-grade Masters dissertation explored teachers’ perceptions of childhood and how they shape their teaching methods.
Her expertise however, extends beyond academics, as she is also a qualified childcare practitioner, earning special recognition for her outstanding achievement.
Prior to her higher education journey, she excelled at St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary School in Glasgow, obtaining Higher level qualifications.
Currently, Adele is making her mark as a primary teacher at Sharjah English School in the UAE, showcasing her passion for international education.
With plans to teach abroad for two years, she aims to return to Glasgow and continue her impactful work in education.
No stranger to the festival, Adele revealed that she has attended it many times while visiting her many cousins and extended relatives in the Rosses area.
Following the announcement of the winner, Adele received her sash and crown from outgoing 2022 winner Caitlin Finn who has been a great ambassador for the festival.
Adele was also presented with a cheque for €1,000 and €3,000 in travel vouchers from Gallagher’s Bakery, a crystal vase by Kevin Bonner of Bonner’s Shop, Dungloe, a hamper from the Gray Room, €500 clothes voucher from Pure Boutique, the Gay Byrne perpetual crown, and the original Mary from Dungloe medallion.
Speaking to the Donegal News Adele said she was thrilled and delighted at having been selected the 56th Mary from Dungloe.
“I’m elated and I can’t honestly put it into words how special it is for me,” she said.
“I’ve always known about the festival and it’s just surreal that this opportunity has come to me. I’ve been at the festival many times, and I remember as a young girl watching the Marys and thinking they were princesses. It’s nice to come back to the festival as a Mary and to see all the little kids looking up at us.”
Adele said that her selection as the first ever Dubai entrant and winner will open more doors for the festival. “We’re thinking of organising St Patrick’s Day parade and lots of lot of events in Dubai,” she added.
Daniel O’Donnell once again was the host of the crowning cabaret that was broadcast live worldwide of the TG4 Player and he revealed that next year it will broadcast live on TG4 television.
He attended and participated in many events during the 10-day festival and is never found wanting when it comes to the Mary from Dungloe.
“It’s very exciting to have someone from a new centre take the title. She’s a lovely girl. What a great standard of girls we had this year during a great week in
Dungloe. It’s been amazing and it seems like old times again.” he told the Donegal News.
This year’s festival was headed up by joint directors Pat Nora Gallagher and Gavin Boyle and the general consensus among many of those attending was that it ranked high as one of the best in many years.
All of the main events including Country Sunday, the Gala Ball, and the Crowning Cabaret were sold out, while street music and family events recorded huge interest.
Sunday’s carnival parade, headed up by Lorna O’Donnell and her team, was according to punters on the street, the biggest and best in twenty years.
Pat Nora Gallagher said it was a very successful ten days in the Rosses that started out with the launch of the Gay Byrne Trail on Friday week last.
“We are here tonight with a beautiful Mary having been chosen,” he said.
“She represented Dubai, a first time for the festival, and from this we can now build.
“Overall, the festival was very good despite being hammered a bit by the weather. The feedback seems to be quite good as well, so we’ll look forward and fingers crossed we’ll have a go at it again next year.”
Gavin Boyle said they had a great ten days in the Rosses capital with some highs and lows but added that most were highs.
“We had a great programme of events put together with great support from the local traders, sponsors, the committee and of course the Marys’” he said.
When pushed about ‘talk on the street’ that Pat Nora and Gavin would return to steer next year’s festival, he quipped: “we’ll leave that on the street for now.”
The chairperson of the judging panel Crona Byrne said they had a very hard decision selecting the winner. “We had a lot of absolutely incredible young ladies up there and it was a very hard decision, so much so that it was down to the wire,” she said.
“The selection of a Dubai Mary for the first time will help promote the festival further afield and give it more recognition.”
The five person judging panel included Crona Byrne, Celine Powell, 1968 winner, Maire McCole, 1983 winner, Greg Hughes, Highland Radio, and Paddy Ferry, former Edinburgh selection committee.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)