Sarah crowned Queen at Loughglynn event

Castlerea’s Sarah Kelly was crowned Queen of the Woodlands on Saturday, August 4th, in what was the culmination of the annual Queen of the Woodlands festival in Loughglynn. Contestants and judges began the evening with a cheese and wine reception at Loughglynn Community Centre, during which time interviews took place. At 9.30 pm contestants took to the stage where they were ably interviewed by Lisacul native Brendan Corrigan of Shannonside. Committee member Carmel Grady sent good wishes on behalf of the local community to Natasha Timon, one of the queens who was unable to attend as she had been involved in a car accident. Guest appearances on the night included a surprise appearance by none other than Marilyn Monroe, much to the delight of audience members. The crowning of Sarah Kelly as Queen of the Woodlands took place at 11.30 pm, with reigning Queen Catriona handing over the mantle. Sarah received a perpetual trophy sponsored by Lynch Roofing and a cheque, which was presented by Anthony Cahill of Cahill’s SuperValu in Castlerea. She also received shoes and a bag sponsored by Hayden Shoes in Castlerea and numerous other gifts. All contestants received a commemorative chain sponsored by the organising committee. Queen committee members were Carmel Grady, Dympna McDonnell, Mamie Creaton, Annette Morris and Ann Nolan. Escorts on the night were Mark O’Brien and Declan Flanagan. Adjudicators were Mary McKinney Sligo, Brendan McCarthy, Cork and Alan Beirne, Castlerea. Contestants for the Queen of the Woodlands were: Sarah Kelly, Castlerea, sponsored by Loughglynn Boxing Club, Lorraine Finan, Loughglynn, sponsored by James Creaton’s Bar and Grocery, Alison Reynolds, Cloonarrow, Castlerea, sponsored by Councillor Michael Creaton, Aisling Cox, Loughglynn, sponsored by The Village Inn, Loughglynn, Paula Nolan, Gortaganny, sponsored by Tom Nolan, Sand and Gravel, Loughglynn, Maureen McMahon, Lisacul, sponsored by Shane and Fiona Noonan, Lisacul, Mary Freeman, Loughglynn, sponsored by Éire Óg GAA Club, Loughglynn, Anita Parsons, Castlerea, sponsored by Sean Connaughton, Building Contractor, Gortaganny. The Patrick Feeney Band provided the music and non-stop entertainment for the evening.