In the most intensely fought campaign since the Trump vs Clinton presidential race in 2016, the regal throne in the Kingdom of Maghery is up for grabs – and six local men are battling it out to win the coveted crown and most importantly, the prestigious title of Maghery King.
There are six men in the race to become king; David Gallagher (The Party King), James O’Hagan (The GAA King), Stephen Doogan (The Rally King), Jamie Glackin (The Drumming King), Christopher Mc Shea (The Farming King), and John Paul O’Donnell (The Singing King – whose father was also King!)
The coronation of the new King is part of Maghery Community Festival, which is in full swing this weekend. The committee has planned a huge range of events for all the family including a sports day, music sessions, and a pet show!
Tonight the Maghery King will be elected at 9 pm at Ionad an Mhachaire, with music and celebrations afterwards at the Strand Bar.
The reigning Maghery Queen Bridget O’Donnell opened the festival on Thursday evening, having been elected queen for her embodiment of all that Maghery festival stands for; kindness, humour, and loyalty to her friends, family and community.
Some of the kings have made campaign videos, with the Party King gaining endorsements from some of Ireland’s biggest celebrities!
Lifford native and world class goalkeeper Shay Given says “you know it makes sense”, with rugby legend Tommy Bowe wishing him the best of luck with the promise of a pint next time he visits Maghery! The Coronas crooner Danny O’Reilly has also revealed he’s backing David. Even Daniel O’Donnell gave his best wishes to the Party King, exclaiming “hup ya boy ya.”
Francis Boyle, manager of Ionad an Mhachaire has been regally appointed to assist The Party King with his important administrative duties. The monarch was even spotted getting his lustrous locks preened in Maghery Bay Salon ahead of the big reveal tonight.
“This will be my land. And these will be my people,” he proclaims in his hilarious campaign video.
However David isn’t the only sovereign hopeful that has been busy making campaign videos!
The blue-blooded Singing King released a theatrical video stating why he should be King. Performer, charity worker, husband, and self-proclaimed “general dude and the hardest working Donegal man in London” says it’s in his blood to be the Maghery King, and hopes to reclaim his father’s crown – which he believes is rightfully his.
Mary from Dungloe winner Alisha Medford has put her bet on The Farming King to win and urges the subjects of Maghery to vote for Christopher!
GAA King James has been spotted canvassing in Mulhern’s Corner Bar on Dungloe Main Street and Dungloe GAA. He has even been spotted mingling with the Marys!
In the lead up to the next King’s coronation, Maghery Community Festival have shared nostalgic pictures on their Facebook page of past Kings, sincerely thanking Paul Wallace for sharing them.
Win or lose – true to his name the Party King promises one hell of a party regardless of the outcome!
