By Eoin McGarvey
ANOTHER memorable chapter has been written in the proud 59-year history of the Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival with the crowning of London’s Eva O’Sullivan as the 2026 Mary.
A deserving winner, Eva, 21, captured hearts throughout the festival, being described by a supporter as a ‘what you see is what you get’ person.
She now joins a distinguished list of young women who have proudly represented the festival and the wider Donegal community around the world.
With strong Donegal connections, Eva is no stranger to the festival as the O’Sullivan family visits Donegal frequently and trips to the festival over the years were a must every summer. Her grandparents, Paddy and Bernadette Gallagher live in Gortahork.
During her on-stage interview with Daniel O’Donnel, Eva highlighted the importance of organ donation, revealing that her brother Rory received a kidney from her uncle’s wife, adding it has made an amazing difference to his quality of life.
She dedicated her musical performance to her grandparents and to the memory of the late Moya Brennan.
A delighted Eva was later joined on stage by her parents Catherine and Sean, sister Nancy and brother Rory who were all overcome with emotion as she received the tiara and sash from outgoing winner Ellie Ward.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Eva said she had the best week of her life in the Rosses capital.
“I just feel amazing. I’ve had the best week of my life shared with 15 amazing girls and any one of them could have been crowned Mary from Dungloe,” she said.
“I feel really honoured and super proud and lucky to be the new Mary from Dungloe.”
Eva described the carnival parade on Sunday as one of the highlights of her week, adding she’s made so many friendships with the other girls, the mini Marys and the escorts.
“I absolutely cannot wait for the busy year ahead,” she added.
Emotional parents Catherine and Sean O’Sullivan congratulate their daughter Eva on Sunday night.
As always, the festival was about far more than selecting one winner. Every Mary who travelled home to Dungloe represented her family, her community and the global Irish diaspora with tremendous pride.
The friendships formed over the course of the festival, the laughter shared and the memories created are among the greatest rewards of an event that continues to strengthen bonds across generations and continents.
Although the curtain has now fallen on what can only be described as another hugely successful festival, for ten days Dungloe was once again alive with music, colour and celebration as tens of thousands of visitors filled the town’s streets, businesses and venues.
From the opening parade to the final night’s celebrations, there was a palpable sense of community spirit and pride that reminded everyone why the Mary from Dungloe Festival remains one of Ireland’s most cherished summer festivals.
The success of the festival does not happen by chance. It is the result of months of careful planning, commitment and teamwork. The festival committee, under the stewardship of Gavin Boye and Pat Connaghan deserves enormous credit for the leadership, vision and dedication they continue to bring to an event that has grown in stature while remaining true to its founding values.
Festival co-director Gavin Boyle told the Donegal News that the festival had huge crowds at all events despite the somewhat drizzly weather now and again. He congratulated Eva O’Sullivan and paid tribute to all this year’s Marys.
“We’re thrilled to have Eva win the title this year as the London representative,” he said.
“We had a great bunch of young women this year as we do every year, but somebody must win and we’re delighted that Eva O’Sullivan all the way from London is this year’s Mary,” he said.
Singer Daniel O’Donnell plays an important role with the festival every year attending events, singing at the drop of a hat, and being an all-round super supporter.
“We’ve had a wonderful week at this, the 59th festival. The judges had a very difficult job as we had fifteen wonderful girls this year from various parts of the world,” Daniel said.
“They picked a very worthy winner in Eva, and it was evident among the other 14 girls that they just loved her.
“We too love her and I know she’ll represent us in the best way possible, and we’ll be very proud of all that she does.”
Daniel paid tribute to Gavin, Pat and everyone involved with the festival adding that the local people are indebted to them for the great work that they do.
“Roll on 2027 when we’ll celebrate 60 years of this wonderful festival,” he added.
Chairperson of the judging panel Crona Byrne said Eva shone from day one. “A fabulous girl who is just amazing.
“From day one she was out there, really good, a charming girl, a beautiful family and she’ll have a great year ahead of her.”
Aisha Bonner presenting the Charlie Bonner trophy to 2026 Mary from Dungloe Eva O’Sullivan in the company of festival directors Pat Connaghan and Gavin Boyle.