10/30/2022
All of us at WDCB are sad to share the news that longtime "Ireland Tonight" host Maryann McTeague Keifer died on Friday. She was a kind and warm person who absolutely loved the Irish music she shared with WDCB listeners for many years. Our condolences go out to all of her friends and family.
Maryann's "Ireland Tonight" producer Sharon Iberle offers this personal remembrance. (shared with permission)
Maryann McTeague Keifer – Rest in Peace – October 28, 2022
I have known Maryann all of my life. Maryann and I attended kindergarten together at James Madison Public School which was located at 74th & Dorchester Ave. in Chicago and a few grades at St. Laurence which was at 72nd & Dorchester. Maryann’s grandmother and my father were both from Co. Monaghan and were great friends.
One day, Maryann mentioned to me that she needed help on the Ireland Tonight Radio Program and I told her that I would help her in any way that I could. Needless to say the rest is history. Maryann taught me so much. She taught me about all of the bands, the music that they provided, the individual musicians and told me about their strengths in the music arena. She introduced me to new comers on the music scene as well as those that have been around for some time. I attended many concerts with her and loved every moment. I went to home sessions, The Galway Arms, Chief O’Neils, The Old Town School of Folk Music, the Irish American Heritage Center to name only a few of the venues, but, Maryann knew almost everyone there. She was so happy to meet and greet old and new friends.
COVID hit and we figured out a way to record the Ireland Tonight Program from my kitchen. Tuesday was the day that we would record and lunch was on the agenda. True to Irish Tradition we had enough food to feed a small army.
The last time that I spoke to Maryann I was aware of how much she sounded like her mother. I’m sure that I noticed that before but maybe I was wishing that she would tell me that the diagnosis was wrong and that she would be ok. To say that I am heartbroken is an understatement. Maryann was one of those people that you meet once in your lifetime. She was always there and you wanted to believe that she would always be there. The Irish Community has lost an incredibly talented and kind supporter for Trad music. She was extraordinary and will be missed. It was my great fortune to count her as my friend.