Sarah-Marie McDevitt is the founder of Pinehill Studios at Mountain Top Letterkenny. The Annagry native has over 10 years in the dance and fitness industry and, since opening her own studio, she has trained countless young dancers and inspired adults to find the fun in fitness.
Every year Sarah-Marie gives back to the community by hosting the Dance Addictions competition to showcase local talents and raise money for charity. So far the events have raised €40,000 for local causes.
She was recently awarded the title of Female Achiever of the Year 2018 by the Letterkenny Chamber.
Sarah-Marie of Pinehill Studios wishes you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Sarah-Marie McDevitt – Female Achiever of the Year 2018
My Donegal… with Sarah-Marie McDevitt
(1) Where is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Carrickfinn Beach, right on the doorstep of where I grew up, me and my brothers/cousins spent our childhood climbing the sand dunes & had many an adventure exploring
(2 ) How do you like to spend Christmas in the county?
Relaxing with family & friends, we always throw in an adventure or two over the holidays, this year we intend to climb Errigal on New Year’s Day.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Both my Gaga’s (grandfather), Tony Sharkey & Josie McDevitt, very proud business men and with a strong hardworking ethos which they passed down throw the generations.
(4) What do you think is Donegal’s best tourist attraction?
Glenveagh National Park, hundreds of thousands visit the park annually.
(5) Do you prefer Donegal summers or Donegal winters?
I love BOTH!! During the Summer I love to drive around The Wild Atlantic Way seeking my next adventure and finding somewhere new to explore. The winter is also great in Donegal when the waterfalls are raging and the waves are eagerly hitting the shore.
(6) What would you do on your ideal day out in Donegal?
Start off in Charley’s Café with a Full Irish Breakfast, take a long drive around parts of the Wild Atlantic Way,
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal Pens, 2 local young entrepreneurs who have successfully created a brand to be proud of and distributed it worldwide.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Easily Daniel O’Donnell
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Louise Breslin of Laveesha. Louise created an international online Irish Jewellery boutique with her own line of high quality fine jewellery. A strong advocate for girl bosses everywhere.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Michael Murphy always involved in the community and with our younger generation motivating and encouraging fitness and promoting the importance of sports & wellness.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Caislean Oir in Annagry (biased perhaps), James & the staff always make sure you get more than enough to eat.
(12) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Our complacent nature to just accept what we have and go with the flow.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Is the kettle on?
(14) What is your favourite Donegal food?
McGarvey’s Chicken Curry
(15) Do you have a favourite local band?
Danny & James
(16) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Transport infrastructure in rural areas
(17) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
BOTH, great Donegal Ambassadors
(18) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am proud of how the people of Donegal will always come together to support and encourage each other, of course there is always healthy competition amongst us all, but our supportive nature and importance of community has hugely helped the strength & growth of our county.
Check out Pinehill Studios on Facebook and pinehillstudios.ie
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