Athboy's Clodagh is Midlands Mary in Donegal festival

Athboy's Clodagh Doughty is representing the Royal County as the ‘Midlands Mary’ at this year’s Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival in Donegal, hosted by singer Daniel O’Donnell.

The celebration of Irish culture, heritage and community is taking place from 25th July to 3rd August, with 19-year-old Clodagh among 15 young women, known as the ‘Marys’, selected to take part in the annual festival.

Clodagh is currently completing a logistics and supply chain apprenticeship with TU Dublin while also working at Smith Vehicle Solutions in Cavan. Having completed her Leaving Certificate at Eureka Secondary School in Kells in 2025, Clodagh knew she wanted to pursue a career in the transport industry.

She recently obtained her rigid licence, with hopes of eventually hitting the open road behind the wheel of an artic truck. When she is not working or studying, Clodagh also heads out to the farm to do relief milking and help her dad on the farm after finishing her shift.

“I went with friends for the interview for the competition in Cavan in March of this year, and I got selected. I have never done anything like this before, but I'm so excited. It's one of Ireland's longest running cultural events, so it's a big deal and almost in its 60th year.”

Clodagh said she was delighted to be selected, having watched the festival in the past but never imagining she would one day take part herself.

“I was so delighted when I was selected, I had watched the festival before but never thought of entering it until this year. Donegal is very special to me because I used to visit when I was a child with my grandmother, Mary. We did an annual trip for Donegal International Rally. She'll be watching from her television this year.”

"I could not be more grateful to my sponsors Meath Farm Machinery, Smith Vehicle Solutions, Park Ri, Clark Machinery Kells, Agri Gear, O'Brien's Supervalu Kells and my main sponsor Cavan Crystal Hotel who have supported me every step of the way."

With her family cheering her on every step of the way, Clodagh’s parents, Ronan Doughty from Mullagh, Co Cavan, and Liz Smith Doughty from Athboy, along with her brothers Joe, Tommy and Jack and sister Holly, could not be more proud and supportive of her as she embarks on her journey at this year’s festival.