Corkonians Abroad: Life in Philadelphia is rewarding

When and how did you end up moving to America?

In March 2015, I made the leap to America, first landing in upstate New York near Albany. To say I was unprepared for the climate would be an understatement—it was absolutely Baltic! As the plane descended, all I could see was a blanket of white snow stretching out endlessly, and I distinctly remember thinking, "What the hell have I signed myself up for?" The adventure continued as I navigated my first automatic car, on the opposite side of the road no less. It was an experience, to say the least. I told myself to give it six months, but here I am almost a decade later.

My move was fueled by a mix of professional and personal aspirations—I wanted to push myself, seek new opportunities, and see what life outside of Ireland had to offer. 

I’d say I’ve always lived life a little outside the box and have a constant desire to try new things. Embracing unconventional paths and exploring new experiences has been a driving force in my life, pushing me to grow and discover what’s possible. My mantra is, "You only regret the chances you didn't take." I’ve embraced this perspective wholeheartedly, knowing that the safety net of Ireland will always be there if I ever decide to move back.

After that chilly stint in New York, I relocated to the warmer Caribbean climate of Puerto Rico later that year for ten months. By 2016, I had settled in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, where I’ve been ever since.

What is life like in your new home?

Life in Pennsylvania, particularly around Philadelphia, has been a rewarding experience. The city has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and endless opportunities to explore. It’s a place where I’ve been able to find a balance between work and personal life, and I've enjoyed being part of a diverse community. One thing that stands out is the people—Philadelphians remind me a lot of the Irish. They’re hard-working, and don’t beat around the bush. 

There’s a straightforwardness here that feels very familiar, making it easier to connect and feel at home in this diverse and spirited community.

What has been the biggest challenge?

A big challenge I faced was starting out as a "ghost" without any credit history or rental history (and not a whole lot in the bank to fall back on). When you’re new to a country, building a financial and personal history from scratch can be daunting. It was tough navigating the initial setup, from securing a place to live to obtaining loans or credit etc.

But to be honest, the initial challenge was the sense of loneliness that comes with being in a new country. During the weekdays, I was kept busy with work, which helped distract me, but the weekends were tough, especially Sundays. That’s when the homesickness really kicked in—I’d find myself reflecting on the Sunday dinners back home with my mother and grandmother, listening to Oldies and Irish on the radio then off to Garyvoe for a stroll on the beach. Like most things in life, it doesn’t go away, it just gets easier with the passing of time.

I made a conscious effort to keep busy, getting involved in networking events, local sports and exploring the country. 

Over time, I built friendships and found a community that shared similar values, which helped ease the loneliness. Staying connected with my roots but embracing the American lifestyle and culture has also been key in finding my place here.

How might you spend your weekends?

At the risk of sounding like the Brady Bunch, weekends are all about family time for my wife, Colleen, and me. We met in 2015, after I swore I wouldn’t get tied down, and married in Kinsale in 2019. (We just celebrated our 5-year anniversary, actually!) With three young kids—Rory, who’s 4, Maeve, who’s 2, and Grace, who’s just 1—we’re knee-deep in all things kids, and we absolutely love it…..most of the time. It’s busy and chaotic, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Building my own family here has really helped fill the void left by being away from my family in Ireland, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to create new traditions and memories with my children.

Tell us about your career?

NEXA | EAM specializes in Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions, providing comprehensive services that enhance the maintenance, reliability, and efficiency of our clients' critical assets. We serve a range of industries, including life sciences, manufacturing, and utilities, ensuring that their operations run smoothly and meet the highest standards of performance and compliance. My role as Senior Director involves overseeing all operations in North America, ensuring that our teams deliver exceptional service, drive growth, and maintain our commitment to excellence across the region.

My career trajectory has been truly remarkable. I don't say that to boast, but as a testament to the incredible opportunities this country has offered me and the exceptional people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. 

I started as a technician in a wastewater treatment plant in upstate New York (far from glamorous), and from there, I’ve steadily climbed the ranks—becoming an engineer, then a manager, a Director, and now a Senior Director. It's been an incredible journey, especially as I was the first employee at NEXA | EAM (formerly Cal OpEx). We grew the company to over 120 people globally, culminating in our acquisition by Transcat in 2021, the largest calibration services company in North America.

My career has taken me all over, allowing me to travel extensively and meet incredible people along the way. I've been fortunate to build genuine, lifelong relationships that have enriched both my professional and personal life. At the risk of sounding clichéd, it's these relationships—both internally with my colleagues and externally with clients and partners—that truly make this journey fulfilling. And I mean that wholeheartedly.

Finally, while my personal and professional growth has been remarkable, the transition to being part of a larger company like Transcat means that there are still plenty of opportunities for further development and learning. 

It's exciting to think about what lies ahead.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

The birth of my three beautiful kids is obviously at the top of the list, but two other moments stand out as well. One of those would be winning the Junior B national hurling title with the Allentown Hibernians in 2018. We were actually a Junior C team that got bumped up, so to go on and win the whole thing was incredible. Hurling is my passion, and being able to play over here, have the craic at training with the lads—it honestly meant more than anything I had ever won back home, especially because I was away from home. We only had a handful of Irish lads on the team too, which made it even more special. Seeing how much the game meant to the American players and the passion they brought was truly brilliant. (PS – I refer to myself as WORLD CHAMP now) Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Without dropping names, I want to give a shout-out to all my family and friends back in Cork. Your support and love have been invaluable to me on this journey. 

I carry a piece of home with me wherever I go.

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

Of course, I miss friends and family, but I also deeply miss the culture of Cork. Cork and its people are truly special. There’s a unique sense of camaraderie that runs through the community, where everyone feels connected and supportive. The passion for sports, particularly hurling, is unparalleled—it's more than just a game; it's a way of life that brings people together and ignites a fierce sense of pride. The absolute love for Cork itself is palpable; it's a place where local identity and regional pride shine brightly. The way Corkonians embrace their heritage, celebrate their successes, and support each other is something that makes Cork a remarkable and unforgettable place.

#RebelsAbu