Irish graduated from IHE Delft in 1968 to receive a post graduate diploma in hydraulic engineering. She was the Technical Director of the Provincial Directorate of Hydraulics of the province of Buenos Aires, and went on to serve as National Director of Hydraulic Projects and Public Works for the Undersecretary of Water Resources for over 18 years since 1999. Under her administration, 371 hydraulic projects were completed and implemented in Argentina. She was also Professor of Fluvial Hydraulics at La Plata National University, Hydraulic Department of Engineering Faculty.