"Thinking back on this past year, gratitude overwhelms me. So many blessings have come as a result of being the 2007 Colleen. Many opportunities and experiences in which I was able to represent our Irish heritage and community have occurred. Learning more about Ireland through them has been amazing! Being able to return once more to the land of our forefathers meant the world to me. Visiting Cobh was a highlight of that wonderful trip. What a feeling it was to see where my great-great-grandparents, along with many of your ancestors, left for America during the Great Famine. Seeing friends in Athlone again was incredible. Getting to know the extraordinary people within this Irish community and in our beloved Ireland has been really enjoyable and life changing! Through your kindness and generosity, I have been given many opportunities to grow in appreciation for what it truly means to be Irish. My whole hearted thanks to the Irish Foundation of Arizona and all who have worked to provide this amazing opportunity. It has been an honor and a privilege serving as the 2007 Colleen."

~2007 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Kira DeSpain

"The Sweeney family descends from Chieftain MacSweeney, originating in the town of Killybegs in County Donegal. My grandmother’s parents (McPeak) and my grandfather’s grandparents (Sweeney), on my father’s side, brought the family to America. My Irish history has always been very alive and extremely important in my family. My family is very involved in the Irish community. My father and uncle are active members in our community. My Aunt Kathleen Sweeney is a photographer/writer for the Desert Shamrock. My Aunt Kelly (Kennedy) Sweeney was the first Arizona Colleen in 1983 and my sister Erin Sweeney was the 2003 Colleen."

~2006 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Kelly Sweeney

"The Colleen Pageant was a challenging and growing experience. I learned much about myself and my heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed my year as the Arizona Colleen as I met amazing people and attended fun events, becoming deeply involved with the wonderful Arizona Irish community. "

~2005 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Heidi Barry Will

 

 

 

“When I was a little girl I watched other girls compete in the Colleen Pageant, and I always dreamed of being on that stage. But participating in the Pageant was more than I had ever dreamed. The warmth and kindness of the Colleens and the strength and diversity of the Irish community made me proud to represent them for 2004."

~2004 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Sarah Houghtelin

“Being a part of the Colleen Pageant is a wonderful and educational experience. It is so great to meet all the terrific people associated with the Irish community. The Colleen Pageant is a perfect way for a young woman to show how proud she is of herself and her Irish heritage. Additionally, the Colleen pageant introduces a young woman to an extended Irish family she may never knew existed.”

~2003 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Erin Sweeney

“My experience was wholly transformative. Participating in the Pageant was an inspiration for me to find my strengths, remember and celebrate my cultural roots, strengthen my relationship with the Irish community, and to reach for the stars!  The warmth and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the Pageant made the experience exciting and incredibly fun!”

~2001 Arizona Colleen, Ms. Meg Hill