A YOUNG woman who grew up with the Mary from Dungloe Festival has become just the fourth local woman to win the Mary from Dungloe title in the festival’s 44-year history.
Graduate Debbie Rodgers (21), Burtonport, west Donegal, was crowned at the festival’s big finale in Dungloe on Sunday night by last year’s winner, Jemma Ferry from Edinburgh.
TV and radio star Gerry Kelly was host for the event that featured 14 girls from around the globe who had spent the past 10 days in Dungloe for the festival.
The packed hall of Ionad Sport na Rosann heard Ms Rodgers describe how she had grown up with the festival, adding that it was a dream come true to be even participating.
She has just recently graduated with a BA in English and music and her ambition is to teach English and music therapy abroad to children with autism.
Ms Rodgers is no stranger to beauty contests having won the Little Miss title on two occasions at her local Burtonport festival as a child.
As her party piece on stage she sang the Eva Cassidy song The Water is Wide accompanied by her father Joe on guitar.
Mr Rodgers was preparing to play the guitar on stage for the final rendition of the ballad Mary from Dungloe when his daughter was declared the winner.
His wife Mary joined him on stage to congratulate their eldest daughter. “We’re just over the moon,” said Ms Rodgers.
“Debbie has been a fan of the Marys and the festival since she was a little girl and tonight is just magical. We’re so proud of her.”