In Memory of Mae & Paddy Butler

Mae & Paddy Butler arrived in Toronto in 1953 with their sons Michael, Patrick Jr. and daughter June.  Shortly thereafter, Mae opened an Irish Dancing School in Toronto, where authentic Irish Dancing was taught in its true and traditional manner.  Mae and Paddy were instrumental in revolutionizing Irish Dancing in North America.  This couple was held in very high esteem among their fellow teachers, parents and students and is epitomized by the refinement and perfection they projected through their highly trained dancers who competed with honour and excellence throughout North America and Ireland.  They had, to their credit, many champion dancers, (including their son, Patrick Jr. and their daughter, June R.I.P.) teachers and World Champions, along with winners of the very coveted North American Feis Commission belt.

Mae served as Vice President of Án Coimisiun, located in Ireland, and was a moving force in the Canadian and North American Irish Dance Teachers’ Association.  She was inducted into the Irish Cultural Hall of Fame over twenty years ago.  This partnership certainly exceeded boundaries in Traditional Irish Dancing.  There seemed to be no end to the efforts of Mae Butler.  In her eyes, what was not done was only what she had not yet attempted to do. 

Today, we of Irish heritage humbly express our sincere appreciation to this outstanding couple. Their memory will live on forever in all of our children through Irish Dancing and Music.