Mary is a native of Barefield. She attended Barefield National School and Coláiste Muire, Ennis. She completed her teacher training in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, graduating with a Batchelor of Education Degree. She was appointed to Barefield in 1982. She has taught Senior infants, First and Second classes.

In 1999, Mary became Learning Support Teacher for the school. She loves this expanded role and area of teaching. Learning Support provides the children with additional support in the areas of Language, Literacy and Numeracy. Collaboration and consultation with all partners in Education is an important component of this Support. In the past year, Mary completed the Graduate Diploma in Learning Support to equip her with the necessary skills.