Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)

Subject: Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 24 Jan 14 - 02:57 PM

I'm sorry to say that my great friend, mentor and inspiration Mary McAndrew, for many years Chairman of Comhaltas Ceotoirí Éireann in Liverpool, has passed away following a lengthy period of incapacity following a stroke. Here is a press release from Neil Doolin, current Chairman:





Death of Liverpool Irish cultural stalwart



The Liverpool branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is sad to announce the death of one of its most long standing members, Liverpool-born Mary McAndrew. Mary played a part in the Comhaltas movement within the Liverpool branch from the 1960's and then played a huge part in the development of the organisation in both Britain, Ireland and North America from then on.

Over the years, Mary held many officer positions within the organisation including representing the Province of Britain on the Ard Comhairle (national executive) of Comhaltas. Mary worked tirelessly in promoting the development and playing Irish music and song, and also dancing.

She was a traditional Irish singer in her own right and would travel around Britain to other Comhaltas branches teaching children traditional Irish singing. In her professional life, Mary was a primary school teacher and taught for most of her career at Holy Rosary Primary School, Aintree.



Mary had been incapacitated and in full-time nursing care since suffering a massive stroke in June 2008 and died on Saturday 18th January 2014.



Mary's funeral will take place at St Robert Bellarmine Church, Orrell Road, Bootle L20 6DZ on Tuesday, 28th January, at 12.00 noon.

Family flowers only.



Neil Doolin

Chair

(Me again) If anyone has any stories or information for a brief eulogy I'm working on I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Another one gone, I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)
From: GUEST,Jim I
Date: 24 Jan 14 - 09:28 PM

So sorry to hear this. Mary was a lovely friendly woman and so good with the comhaltas youngsters. I am away this weekend but hopefully I will get back in time for the funeral.

Subject: RE: Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 14 - 09:17 PM

I've been thinking a lot about old times and Mary Mac since I heard the sad news.

I first met Mary when I was five years old and I was in Miss McAndrew's class at Holy Rosary Primary School at the Old Roan.
She became a family friend and got my family involved in going to the Irish Centre in Liverpool every Sunday lunchtime where we learned to play instruments, sing and dance, play in groups and ceili bands and met so many friends.

I used to drop into her classroom on my way home from high school and learn songs from her- either directly from her singing or from tape recordings she had made on her travels round Ireland over the years.
Mary also took me and others around the country and to Ireland, to take part in fleadhanna, ceilis, and concerts, where she looked after us and organised us.

My young adult social life was based around the Irish Centre too, and Mary was still there, organising us into Plearacha and Scoraíocht competitions which we took to the Fleadh Nua in Ennis.

So many happy memories- too many thoughts to write here.

Thank you, Mary.

Subject: RE: Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)
From: Noreen
Date: 27 Jan 14 - 10:35 PM

Guest above was me.

Subject: RE: Mary McAndrew, Liverpool Legend (R.I.P)
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 29 Jan 14 - 06:23 PM

Thanks for that, Noreen. Many echoes there of the sentiments of others. Thanks for making it to the funeral. It was lovely to finally meet you. Chris