A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Irene was employed full-time in Secondary Education. In addition to senior school, she taught children and adults of all abilities, including physically and mentally-challenged groups. During this time she wrote mainly for school projects. As secretary of an Arts group in her local community Irene directed new groups subsequently created.

As a result of her sitting on the Clydebank Centenary committee in 1986, Irene had lunch with the Queen, whom she met again at a Holyrood Garden Party in appreciation of her work within the community. She wrote and directed a three-hour production for Glasgow City of Culture 1990. Excerpts were performed in the New Athenaeum Theatre.

Now retired, living with her husband in Spain, Irene puts her energies into writing and painting. p19, 88, 99, 119, 126, 131, 145, 159