Dr Mary Bergin, UCD Honorary Degree Recipient, 18 March 2022

Presentation of UCD Honorary Degree and Live @Belfield Concert performance

Mary Bergin - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature
Citation by Professor Michael Doherty

“An inspirational teacher of the tin whistle, Mary’s ‘Irish Tin Whistle Tutorial’ series was described by the late Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains as ‘pure genius’.

“In her teaching, the many facets that give traditional music its distinctiveness are explored and interpreted. In her teaching, Mary pays attention to what she refers to as the ‘internal rhythm’ of the music, the essence of the music, the breathing, almost like a meditation.

“Avoiding over emphasis on the technicality, she searches with her students for the feeling, the heart and soul of the music, croí agus anam an cheoil but the fun and the enjoyment of the music, the comhluadar - the joyous company that surrounds a traditional music session is never far away.”

[billprindle]

I’m proud to say that for the two years I lived in Galway, I was lucky to take whistle lesson from Mary. She began as my teacher and ended as a friend as well. A great musician for sure, and a great, generous, beautiful soul. Congratulations Mary!