Mary Duff on Sexism in Music, Touring with Daniel O’Donnell, and Why She Went Solo
MEATH — Mary Duff, one of Ireland’s most beloved singers, has opened up about her decades-long career, her friendship with Daniel O’Donnell, and the challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated music industry. Known worldwide for her crystal-clear voice and versatility across genres, the Lobinstown native has spent a lifetime building a legacy of authenticity, resilience, and song.
Duff’s love of music began in childhood. Born into a musical family, her father Tom — a skilled box accordion player — regularly brought her along to sing with his band when she was just 12. She still recalls the nerves and excitement of performing “Hello Patsy Fagan” for pub-goers at the Angler’s Rest in Newtown. The warm applause that followed convinced her that music was her calling.
After years singing in choirs, talent shows, and local bands — including a stint with the rock-and-roll group Jukebox — Duff earned her first big break in 1987 when she won the Sunday World’s Search for a Star contest. Daniel O’Donnell’s manager, Seán Reilly, was in the audience and invited her to audition for O’Donnell’s debut UK tour. That moment began a remarkable 32-year partnership that would define Irish country music for a generation.
“I didn’t know then that I would go on to work with Daniel for over three decades,” Duff said. Together, they recorded duets, toured worldwide, and became one of the most cherished pairings in Irish music. She also achieved international recognition in her own right, becoming the first European artist to tour with American superstar Garth Brooks in 1991. “He was so mannerly and gave everything to his shows,” she recalled.
But while her years with O’Donnell brought success, Duff eventually chose to step out of the shadow of another artist’s career. “When you’re working with someone, you’re living their dream, not your own,” she explained. “I loved every minute with Daniel, but I needed to pursue my own path.”
Her solo career has been prolific. With 15 studio albums spanning country, easy listening, hymns, and love songs, Duff has shown a remarkable range. Still, she has spoken candidly about the sexism she has faced in the industry. “If you’re a woman on stage and dressed a bit sexily, people say you’re a tart. If you wear a long dress, you’re dowdy. Men just wear a suit and no one comments,” she told RSVP.
Her frequent duets with O’Donnell also sparked rumors. “People assumed we were a couple, which was completely untrue. We were just doing our job — singing love songs and making it look convincing.”
Off stage, family has remained central to Duff’s life. During a break from touring, she devoted time to her father, now 98, helping him write a book about his extraordinary life as both a musician and a Meath footballer who won an All-Ireland medal.
Mary’s personal life has also been shaped by the demands of touring. She was married for many years to her manager Paul McKenna, but the couple divorced around 14 years ago. Despite the split, they remain on good terms, and McKenna still helps organize her shows. “It’s tough to make relationships work when you’re away more often than you’re home,” she admitted.
Today, Mary Duff continues to perform, record, and inspire fans across the globe. From Meath to Nashville, Sri Lanka to Australia, her voice has carried far — but it remains rooted in the authenticity of a girl who grew up singing beside her father’s accordion.
“I’ve always had a passion for music,” she said. “It’s not an easy life, but it’s the only one I ever wanted.”