Maria Deasy
Mayo connection?
Mícheál: Born and raised in Foxford. Attended Foxford primary school, St. Nathy's secondary school, Ballaghadereen, completed teacher training program, St. Patrick's, Drumcondra, Dublin. Spent several years as a teacher in Attymachugh.
Mary: Born in Dublin, raised and attended primary school in Straid. Attended secondary school at the St. Louis Convent, Balla.
Maria: Born in Rochester, NY and raised in New York and New Jersey. Spent childhood summers visiting family in Straid and Foxford.
Where in the world are you now?
Mícheál: We have lived in Chatham Township, NJ for 45 years. Having taught in Attymachugh for several years, I decided to pursue a career in dentistry at University College, Dublin. Following graduation, I practiced in England for one year and was awarded a fellowship in dental research at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. After completing a 3 year specialty program in periodontics, I became a faculty member at the School of Dentistry, Rutgers University, New Jersey. I served as a professor for 40 years, and as Chair of the Department of Periodontics for 37 years. I have lectured extensively throughout the world and also served as a member of the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners for many years.
Mary: Following some time in the civil service in Dublin, I joined the Bank of Ireland, working in Sligo, Mullingar, and Dublin. I later took a leave of absence and obtained a position in the World Bank in Washington, D.C. On leaving the bank, I returned home and married Mícheál with whom I emigrated to America, living in New York and New Jersey. While raising three children, I also practiced real estate.
Maria: I am New York Tough and Jersey Strong! I attended Brown University and have lived in Manhattan since graduating several years ago. I am an actress, writer, and producer while also serving as a Project Manager under Executive Director Anthony Romero at the American Civil Liberties Union. Currently, I am President of Irish American Writers & Artists (ww.iamwa.org). In 2019 I won the Bairbre Dowling Spirit of the Festival Award at Origin Theatre's 1st Irish Festival, where I also received 2018 and 2019 Best Actress nominations. In 2020 I was honored with the Irish Echo’s Arts & Culture Award for my efforts in arts-led recovery during the pandemic. I am very, very proud of my Irish heritage. www.mariadeasy.com
What you love and miss about the County?
Mícheál: I love its wildness, its coastline, and the availability of prime salmon fishing on the River Moy.
Mary: Fresh air, riding horses. I was brought up on a large farm where my father bred racehorses and rode with the North Mayo Harriers.
Maria: The incredible freshness of the air; taking the ferry over to Clare Island and Inishturk; my cousins; the craic.
What you think of Home to Mayo?
All: This ambitious program encompasses a major part of the history of Mayo and will instill in all of us renewed pride in our beautiful county.
Maria: I look forward to being in Castlebar on the day!
Plans to come home?
All: We all look forward to coming home this summer.
(Pictured Clockwise from top left): Robert Baumgardner, Nannette Deasy Baumgardner, Maria Deasy (holding Bono, who moves in mysterious ways), Mrs. Mary Deasy, Dr. Mícheál J. Deasy