Caragh chosen as first ‘Connacht Mary'
Caragh Ryan, the first 'Connacht Mary' pictured with festival co-ordinators Bridgeen Doherty and Deirdre Wilson after she was chosen to take part in the 'Mary From Dungloe" selection event.
The first 'Connacht Mary' to be chosen for the 'Mary From Dungloe’ selection has been revealed.
Caragh Ryan (30) an SNA from Kilmeena, Westport was chosen from a number of representatives at the selection in Gracie's Bar, Sligo last week.
The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival takes place in Dungloe, County Donegal from July 26th - August 4th.
The final will be live streamed on TG4 on Sunday, August 3rd and will be presented by Donegal native, Daniel O' Donnell.
Caragh will be one of sixteen ‘Marys’ competing for the 2025 title of 'Mary From Dungloe.'
An SNA at the Sacred Heart School in Westport, she previously entered the Mayo Rose selection and, whilst not selected, she really enjoyed the experience and now volunteers with the Mayo Rose Centre as one of the co-ordinators.
Within the community, she is club PRO for Kilmeena GAA and plays football with the junior ladies team.
She is part of a musical family, her Dad, John Ryan, was a member of Ray Lynam and The Hillbillies. She enjoys playing the button accordion, which has been in the family for generations. She also dedicates a lot of her time to fundraising for Western Alzheimer’s in memory of her late Nana, Alice Campbell. Through this, she has previously been a recipient of the 'Mayo People of The Year' Awards in association with Rehab Care Mayo and Mayo County Council.
