This article is from page 17 of the 2008-08-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THE daughter of well-known musi- cian Pecker Dunne is making head- lines of her own this week as she represents the Banner County in an international beauty and personality eel e
West Clare beauty Sarah Dunne will spend a busy week promot- ing the county in the Maiden of the Mourne competition, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Clare Maiden who won the competi- tion outright.
The 19-year-old from Kilimer has just completed a business course in Kilrush Community School and has received two scholarships for Irish Music in the University of Limerick.
Not surprising her hobbies include singing and playing musical instru- ments.
Sarah also works part time in Kel- ly’s Bar and Restaurant in Kilrush and plans to go to college next year.
Her beauty and talent ensured her the Clare Maiden crown at the Miss Clare competition this year.
On Saturday she travelled to War- renpoint with her mother Madeleine and sister also called Madeleine.
The talented young Clare woman will spend this week on numerous official duties including a visit to Parliament Buildings in Stormount.
She will also enjoy a trip through the Mourne Mountains, boat trips and other activities organised by the festival committee and local businesses, as well as visiting local
shops, shopping centres and the local council offices.
The highlight of the week-long fes- tival will take place in the Whistle- down Hotel on Saturday, with a se- lection of this year’s winner.
Last year west Clare woman Grainne Larkin was crowned “Maid- en of the Mourne”.
The 22-year-old Kilkee woman saw off competition from as far afield as America, Northern Ireland and Rus- sia to secure the title for the Banner County.
When the young Kilkee woman hands over the crown on Saturday night to this year’s winner the people of Kilimer will be hoping that it is to another west Clare woman.
While unable to travel due to ill- ness, musician Pecker will also have his fingers crossed for his daughter.
Regarded by many as the last of the “Travelling musicians” the 76-year old is best known for his banjo play- ing although he is also considered “a fine fiddle player” and singer.