is an Irish heritage competition for young women of Irish descent, and it is sponsored by The Donegal Association of Philadelphia. One lucky young lady is selected at the annual Donegal Ball. Young women of Irish descent who are unmarried and between the ages of 18 and 27 are welcome to apply! The winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland to compete in the International Mary from Dungloe Festival in County Donegal

If interested here are the links for applications:

MARY FROM DUNGLOE 2020 – 2022 Olivia Lisowski

Olivia was crowned the 2020 Mary From Dungloe at our Annual Ball in December 2019.  However, due to the COVID-19 and the worldwide pandemic, Olivia, unfortunately, did not travel to Ireland to celebrate the festival.  The good news is that Olivia will reign as our Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe in both 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Olivia McDade Lisowski was 19 years old when selected as our Mary from Dungloe.  She is from Havertown, PA. She is a sophomore at West Chester University majoring in Nutrition. Olivia is the oldest child of Maureen Heather (McGrory) & Michael Lisowski. Olivia is the oldest granddaughter of Maureen McDade McGrory, who found the McDade School of Irish Dance. Olivia’s Great Grandparents, John & Peggy McGrory came from Co. Donegal and Great Grandmother, Cassie Cannon came from Co. Mayo.

Olivia started an Irish dance lesson with the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance at the age of three. She has competed and placed in local feiseanna, Regional, National & World Championships. She has performed at numerous parades, festivals, schools, and local organizations. Olivia is currently a member of the West Chester University Irish Dance Team. Olivia has been playing the violin since the age of five. She has competed and placed at many local feiseanna, Celtic Classic, and Mid-Atlantic Fleadh’s. Olivia is a member of the Next Generation of Irish Music. She loves to attend local sessions. Olivia’s other hobbies include running and being a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority.

Congratulations Olivia!!

Olivia Lisowski with her parents

Olivia with Daniel O’Donnell

Olivia, Little Miss Mary, and 2019 Mary Chairperson, Marissa Berry

Olivia with Little Miss Mary, New York Mary from Dungloe, 2019 Ball Chair, Ciara Travers, and 2019 Mary Chair, Marissa Berry, attending the New York Donegal Association Event