Corkonians  Abroad: The Thames is grand, but ’tis no River Lee

How did you end up making the move across the water to London?

About three or so years ago, my then girlfriend (now wife) Louise was offered a role as a lecturer at Brunel University. We were still in and out of lockdowns and heading into another covid Christmas and, like many other people, I was feeling the need for a change.

I had spent six successful years at RedFM and absolutely loved it; I was on air five days a week and had picked up a number of award nominations along the way. But when Louise told me about the job offer in London, I immediately said she should accept - it was perfect timing for a new adventure together.

What is life like in your new home?

I love London and felt at home here the minute I unpacked the suitcases and boxes from my trusty Mitsubishi Lancer (may she rust in peace). 

I was already very familiar with London as I had spent most of my 20s travelling back and forth with my band Echogram. So, as soon as I got here, I hit the ground running.

I love getting the tube, even on those summer days when it’s so packed your face ends up in somebody’s armpit! I still get a buzz every time I ascend the stairway from Piccadilly Circus tube station and that iconic advertising billboard comes into view.

My dad spent a few years here as a young man and I always wonder if he got that same thrill.

What has been the biggest challenge?

I thought ‘computer says no’ was just a made up catchphrase from a TV comedy sketch show, but it’s kind of the unspoken motto for officialdom. I know when people from the UK move in the opposite direction they’re not so keen on our “yerra ‘twill be grand” style of admin, but there’s a lot to be said for common sense.

Everything here seems to take longer - opening a bank account, installing broadband - but no-one can tell you why. One particular example was my eight-week game of email ping-pong with our landlord to get the screw on our fridge door tightened. I mean, I’m pretty sure I could have done that myself! One institution that doesn’t get enough praise though is the NHS, it’s absolutely fantastic.

How might you spend your weekends?

We go to tons of theatre, to the point where I’ve become quite blasé about it all. I’ve seen Ian McKellen do Shakespeare AND panto (panto was better, obvs), Gabriel Byrne perform his excellent one-man play, an Eileen Walsh masterclass in a Greek tragedy, Ralph Fiennes as a non-Scottish Macbeth, and Steve Coogan play multiple roles in Dr Strangelove. I also saw Paul Mescal ditch the short shorts in favour of a string vest for A Streetcar Named Desire.

We love the movies and our favourite spot is the Prince Charles Cinema. 

When we don’t feel like venturing out and about in central London, we head for the countryside. 

We’re lucky that we’re not too far away from lots of old estates and forests, and we’re only an hour away from the Cotswolds.

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

As you would expect with any area in London, it is very multicultural which I absolutely love.

Italian, Turkish, Indian, Sri Lankan and Lebanese restaurants line the high street but, in fairness, you can get most of that cuisine in Cork now too. Every creed and culture is catered for, plus all sorts of events take place in the village hall - pensioner’s pilates, am dram, sound healing & meditation, knitting group and drum classes.

I’ve only tried one of those activities so far (clue: it didn’t involve spandex).

I haven’t suffered any culture shock per se, but for anyone planning to move here, I would advise learning to bake your own bread. 

The sliced pans here are manky, it’s like eating sugary styrofoam!

I’ve also had to learn not to ask for a cup of tea, but instead an English Breakfast tea. “Any Barry’s, nah?” has yet to garner a positive response.

Tell us about your career?

I’ve mainly been working as a video content creator, either shooting and editing my own work or editing for someone else. I’ve got to travel a bit for work, to places like Groningen in the Netherlands and most recently Denver in Colorado. As a camera operator, I’ve been on a variety of shoots; a Stereophonics concert for Sky Arts, tech events in Abbey Road Studios (twice) and an Islamic talent show.

I’ve been back home for a couple of projects too - I made a series of short comedy videos for Pure Cork/Failte Ireland with my school pal Angela Newman (she’s gearing up for another successful run of her Adult Panto), and I’ve been writing and doing some video work with Cork’s most beautifully spoken millionaire Reggie from the Blackrock Road.

But I’m glad to say I am still working in radio; I do a weekly show on a station in Watford, voiceover work for a couple of stations in Dublin, while the good folks at Cork’s 96fm have given me the opportunity to get back on the Cork airwaves from time to time.

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

Over the past three years? Well, we’ve had four prime ministers, the death of Queen Elizabeth, England coming up short in two football tournaments, and a general election.

A big moment for me was seeing a music video I directed on screen in Trafalgar Square at the Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Festival!

But the most memorable moment actually took place back home. Not long after I relocated here I popped the question to Louise, and we pretty much went straight into wedding planning mode. We had a lovely ceremony at the Honan Chapel, followed by the reception at The Innishannon House Hotel. And I didn’t cry once during my speech (why, what did you hear?).

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

One thing I wanted to do when I moved to London was direct more short films. A number of my previous projects have been selected for festivals, and won a few prizes along the way, but I haven’t made anything over here just yet. Thankfully, that is set to change in the next few months.

First up, I’ll be directing a fun little script I co-wrote featuring two puppet characters. We’re working with a production company in Bournemouth who’ve recruited some model making students from the local university.

Then, I’ll be directing a drama short film, written by actor-writer and fellow Corkonian Sarah Hosford. I’m also developing a screenplay project with another ex-pat Corkonian, producer Margaret Milner Schmueck. So, plenty to keep me busy in the new year!

If you were back in Cork for one day, what would be the ideal day for you?

A stroll along the Marina, a tasty brunch somewhere in the city centre, a cuppa and a chinwag with my mum Elisabeth, a spin to Robert’s Cove and a good walk along the cliffs to blow out the cobwebs, dinner back in town at Orso or Greene’s, a few vodka and sodas in Arthur Mayne’s, all rounded off with a sneaky final drink (and possibly a sneaky mosh) in the Brog.

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

The thing I probably miss the most is its proximity to the water. Sea air and sea views are great for the head, the heart and the soul.

London is full of parks - Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, my local park up the road - but it’s not quite the same.

During the pandemic, I took a daily walk along the River Lee, so it probably makes sense that I often end up strolling along the South Bank.

The Thames is grand, but ’tis no River Lee, boy.