Retirement of Mary Guinan Darmody

This month we said a fond – if slightly bittersweet –farewell to a Tipperary legend.

After 47 years of safeguarding the county’s stories, Mary Guinan Darmody, Tipperary born and bred is stepping into a well-earned retirement. Mary walked through the doors of Library HQ in May 1978, survived the “baptism of fire” that is payroll, and never looked back.

In 1990 she agreed to “temporarily” steer Tipperary Studies; three decades later her name is synonymous with the service. From trundling archive boxes across a rainy yard in Castle Avenue to masterminding the move to our purpose-built home in 2006, Mary has protected, expanded and championed our shared heritage every step of the way. She has been involved in the Tipperary Historical Journal since its launch, has collaborated with many of our local historians on publications and research, mentored generations of staff, created the popular Lecture Series, and over a decade ago, led the fundraising drive that kick-started our digitisation programme.

Today, our digital archive Tipp Studies Digital has clocked 3 million hits from every corner of the globe. Beyond the stacks, Mary is known for her winning smile, and a can-do spirit that makes everyone feel welcome. We’ll miss her wisdom, humour and friendship. Mary, your work mattered, your legacy endures, and your library family wishes you every joy in the adventures ahead.