The Ireland United States Alumni Association was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mary McPartlan. We had the honour of awarding Mary ‘The Distinguished Alumni Award’ in January 2018. Mary received this award in recognition of her professional excellence, her commitment to the U.S.-Irish relationship, and her outstanding contribution to culture and music. At the Awards Ceremony we had the privilege of hearing Mary perform, a night we we never forget.

Mary received a Fulbright Scholarship in 2013 to Lehman College (CUNY) and Berea College Kentucky.  While in New York, she taught a module on The History of Irish Traditional Culture plus Women Traditional Singers since the 1950s in Ireland and a series of lectures on Irish Contemporary Plays and Playwrights. She undertook research in Irish song material in New York and a study of the great American Folk singer and song collector Jean Ritchie from the Appalachian Mountains, Viper Kentucky.

Mary leaves a legacy of achievement for the arts that will endure.
Go bhfanfaigh sí i suaimhneas.