Mary Lee

Originally from a farm on the shores of Lough Corrib, Mary lives on the outskirts of Galway City, Ireland. She writes poetry as an expression of gratitude for the extraordinary mystery of loving and being loved, for the way ordinary things may reveal the astonishing – the myriad experiences and revelatory moments in nature and in social, church and community circles. 

Mary has a background in education, communing development and systemic family therapy. She is a member of two poetry workshops. Among her favorite poets are: Seamus Heaney, Brendan Kennelly, Rainer Maria Rilke, T. S. Eliot, Gerard M. Hopkins. John F. Deane.

Mary Lee’s poems have been widely published nationally and internationally, including among other publications: Skylight 47; Orbis; Crannόg; The Galway Literary Review; Poems for Patience competition, (short listed three times); Face Up to the Sun, Manchester Cathedral Competition, (highly commended); Clarion Poetry Magazine; Eunoia Review; The Poet’s Quest for God (anthology, Eyewear Publications, UK); Yellow House Publishing (Turas); Orchard Journal; Conversations (Dominican Publications); Clarion Poetry Magazine; Dodging the Rain, A New Ulster and The Wild Word websites; Her work has been broadcast on A Living Word, RTE Radio 1, and her poems are frequently cited at liturgical events and retreats. Mary was shortlisted in the Hold Fast to Dreams poetry competition, 2024. She was nominated for a Pushcart prize in 2025. Her third collection of poetry: The Stranger, the Dream, the Bird was published with Revival Press, Limerick, March 2025.