University of Limerick Alumni Spotlight: Mary McCarthy

In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Mary Mc Carthy, who studied MA in Creative Writing. 

From a career change following illness to a First Class Honours graduate and becoming a full-time writer, Mary discusses how her time at UL transformed her life.  

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Mary Mc Carthy. I grew up on a farm two miles from Skibbereen in West Cork. And I have always been interested in storytelling. 

My father was a happy man and had a great sense of humour. Some of his wit rubbed off on me. He had a lovely way of saying things with a breadth of descriptive language. And I certainly learned turns of phrase from him and how to tell a story. From a young age, my mother encouraged me to read. Over the years, this has brought me great joy. 

Having had a life and career re-evaluation, I applied to UL for a place on the MA in Creative Writing. I am delighted that the university opened its doors wide and welcomed me as a student.  I am grateful to have had this opportunity, where my writing could be nurtured and improved. That year, I brought my all to the learning, taking advantage of every opportunity to improve my craft. 

Why did you choose to study at UL? 

UL is one of the best schools of writing in Ireland. It has some of Ireland's award-winning published writers teaching in the MA in Creative Writing programme. 

What were the highlights of your course? 

The highlight of the MA in Creative Writing was that I enjoyed the experience and surprised myself. 

Learning to get better at writing was the challenge. I developed my skills by reading novels, short stories, and poetry. Interrogating language and narrative helped me to understand the discipline. Through assignments, I got plenty of practice writing. The feedback from my lecturers and classmates proved valuable in the drafting process to further enhance my work. 

As an AHSS student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like as a student here? 

It is a privilege to have been a student at UL. The lecturers brought excellence to their teaching. Their expertise, encouragement, and positivity helped my confidence grow as a storyteller. 

The Glucksman Library is a state-of-the-art facility on campus. And the librarians also supported my learning. The library was well-stocked with books and computers. 

The classrooms had a good atmosphere. The rooms were warm, clean, and bright. 

Located on the outskirts of Limerick city, the grounds of this Irish university are impressive. In my mind’s eye, I still see the manicured lawns, the water fountains, and the evergreen trees. 

During the MA, I frequently crossed the Living Bridge, overlooking the River Shannon. This is the longest river in Ireland. I remember appreciating the beauty of the natural surroundings and the design of the lovely bridge.  

The environment at the University of Limerick certainly played a role in contributing to my success, both in having a positive experience and a great outcome. 

What advice would you offer to students considering studying your course? 

My advice would be: ‘Stand out! Be different! Dream big!’ 

And I would highly recommend the MA in Creative Writing at UL. 

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL? 

I have a wonderful memory of being part of a community of writers. Success might not have been possible without my classmates' support and friendship.  

My best learning was done in the classroom and at the Glucksman Library. The coffee shop also played its part. Sometimes during a conversation with one of my MA friends over a cuppa, helpful insights emerged. 

At UL, we’re known as the ‘Home of Firsts’ – are there any important ‘firsts’ that you experienced as a UL student, that you would like to share? 

At UL, it was my first time graduating with First Class Honours. 

Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you? 

UL School of Writing offered excellent teaching. The Glucksman Library held significance for me because I preferred studying there. 

I am grateful to the librarians and library staff for their assistance. I loved the modern environment with its high ceilings and study spaces. It was such a vibrant place. I felt the Glucksman Library was so comfortable.  

How did your course and your overall UL experience contribute to your career upon graduating? 

The experience at UL gave me the knowledge and skills to contribute as a freelance journalist to The Southern Star, with some additional mentoring from the editor. 

I have written a couple of poetry collections as a result. 

Could you update us on where you are now in your career? 

I contribute as a freelance journalist, write poetry, and more. 

What has been a career highlight so far? 

Contributing feature articles to The Southern Star. 

Shortlisted for The Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award 2022. 

My poetry has been published widely and regularly. 

Verses of Ireland is a classic, yet contemporary mounted poetry range – verse as modern art - for your home or gifts for special occasions. An interpretation of beauty, light, and hope. Available for sale at Antiquity Bookshop in Skibbereen, Co Cork.  

What are your hopes and plans for the future? 

I hope to publish my collection Camino’s Hidden Secrets: Poetry from The Field of Stars.  

Shortlisted in Ireland for The Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award 2022, this collection of 94 poems is written in free verse, with an overarching theme of the Camino. The poetry springs from my experience of walking the Way of St. James. Each poem stands alone, and forms part of a narrative of my pilgrim journey from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France via Northern Spain to Santiago, reflecting both the inner and outer experiences alike.   

This collection's themes explore doubt, the hero’s journey, self-vision, and self-renewal. Wisdom in some of my poems was discovered through empathy with the human condition, while on the road to Santiago.   

It would make an ideal keepsake for any pilgrim who walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain. 

Is there anything else you would like to share?  

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” (Howard Thurman)