A Kildare Town native is a contestant in the Mary from Dungloe International Festival in Co Donegal this weekend.
Aislinn McFadden (24) is representing Dublin in the 49th annual event which brings 13 young women from all parts of the world to the town of Dungloe in Co Donegal.
The primary school teacher is a member of The Silken Thomas Players drama group.
She is sponsored by Best Western Dublin Skylon Hotel.
Aislinn said: "Being part of this year’s festival means the world to me. I can’t wait to meet all the other Mary’s and get to engage with the community of Dungloe."
She added: "In the past year and a half I have turned my lifestyle around and have become interested in being healthy and fit.
"Having lost a significant amount of weight I have thankfully gained back all the happiness I had lost from years being over weight.
"I now enjoy circuit training and running every week and love my new and active life.
"It hasn’t been an easy journey but it has most definitely been worth it!"
Cities outside Ireland being represented by a contestant include London, New York, Philadelphia and Glasgow.
Other attractions during the Festival include a mini Fleadh with Irish dancing, Ceilí and traditional music and culture.
Last year's winner Siobhan Dunn from Edinburgh will also be attending the event to hand over her tiara.
Here are all the other contestants:
London Mary Ellie O'Sullivan
New York Mary Sharon Margaret Brady
Edinburgh Mary Aisling Doyle
Dungloe Mary Aideen Meehan
Belfast Mary Louise Kavanagh
Gaeltacht Mary Eva Ni Dhoibhlinn
Donegal Mary Marie O'Reilly
Glasgow Mary Carmen Brennan
Philadelphia Mary Ciara Travers
Derry Mary Nicole Grant
Sligo Mary Saoirse Doherty
Wild Atlantic Way Mary Aoife McGowanIf you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.