About Us
The History of Murphy Irish Dancers
Established in 1963, the Murphy Irish Dancers, a Bay Area-based Irish dance company, stands as a testament to the enduring passion and commitment of its founder, Mary Jo Murphy-Feeney. Rooted in family values, the company, now co-artistic and directed by Mary Jo and her daughter Patricia Feeney-Conefrey, has evolved into a thriving institution spanning generations. Joined by faculty member Melissa Sheridan, a former student, the TCRG-certified trio demonstrates their expertise to a diverse range of students of all ages across Bay Area locations. The Murphy Irish Dancers are involved in many Irish Dance competitions with students winning regional, national, and world titles. They have been a part of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade, performed at half-time at the Golden State Warriors Irish heritage nights, Harlem Globetrotters games, and at pre-game shows for the San Francisco Giants. A memorable event for the Murphy Irish Dancers is performing for Pope John Paul II at Candlestick Park in 1987. They were also among the San Francisco cultural groups chosen to represent San Francisco in Shanghai, China, as part of the 2010 San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City exchange. Mary Jo sees the learning and performing of Irish dance as a way for young people to connect to a rich tradition while building lasting friendships. The Murphy Irish Dancers aim for their dancers to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, keep up with Irish culture, give back to the community, and learn a difficult and intricate type of dance all while having fun.
Meet the Instructors
Mary Jo Feeney ADCRG
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
For Mary Jo Murphy-Feeney, Irish dancing has been a lifelong passion deeply entwined with family. From her early years learning dance steps in her San Francisco kitchen, taught by her Irish immigrant mother, to assuming the role of an instructor, her journey was marked by a profound connection to the Irish culture. Mary Jo’s dedication t
For Mary Jo Murphy-Feeney, Irish dancing has been a lifelong passion deeply entwined with family. From her early years learning dance steps in her San Francisco kitchen, taught by her Irish immigrant mother, to assuming the role of an instructor, her journey was marked by a profound connection to the Irish culture. Mary Jo’s dedication to Irish dancing intensified, leading her and her friends attending weekly lessons under Annie Slattery. When Annie retired, Mary Jo took charge, creating her own school, what is now the Murphy Irish Dancers. Over the years, this family-run institution has grown from 15 students to a vibrant community of hundreds of Irish dancers over the years in the Bay Area. Apart from her role as a TCRG, Mary Jo is also an ADCRG, exemplifying her dedication as a certified adjudicator of Irish dance. The Murphy Irish Dancers, under her guidance, have participated in international events, promoting Irish culture and fostering lasting friendships. Beyond the competitive aspects, Mary Jo's mission is to instill confidence, keep alive the Irish culture, and create a family-oriented environment that extends beyond dance into lifelong connections. Through performances, competitions, and cultural exchanges, the Murphy Irish Dancers continues to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish dance, music, and community.
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
Trish Feeney-Conefrey, daughter of Mary Jo Murphy-Feeney, learned Irish dancing from her mother at a young age. She competed at regional, national, and world competitions in solos and teams. Trish has always been around the Irish dancing world and decided to co-teach alongside her mother. She received her TCRG and has been teaching across the Bay Area ever since.
More coming soon...
Melissa Sheridan TCRG
Patricia "Trish" Conefrey TCRG
Melissa Sheridan TCRG
Melissa has been dancing since 3 years old with the Murphy Irish Dancers in San Francisco. Her dance teachers, Mary Jo Feeney and Patricia Conefry helped her through her competitive career, competing at Regional and National competitions. She followed in the footsteps of her grandmother who danced with Mary Jo under Annie Slattery, and he
Melissa has been dancing since 3 years old with the Murphy Irish Dancers in San Francisco. Her dance teachers, Mary Jo Feeney and Patricia Conefry helped her through her competitive career, competing at Regional and National competitions. She followed in the footsteps of her grandmother who danced with Mary Jo under Annie Slattery, and her father and aunt who also danced for Mary Jo. She competed in solo, team, and dance drama competitions. She also has completed grades 1-12 in preparation for the TCRG exam. Melissa graduated from Menlo College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2023 and is studying at the University of San Francisco working toward her Master’s Degree in School Counseling with PPS and PCC credentials. In August of 2023, Melissa passed her TCRG exam and is excited for the next chapter, teaching with the Murphy Irish Dancers!