Corkonians Abroad: 'I broke my arm... and had to pay out $2,000'

Where are you from, and where do you currently live?

I am from Gurranabraher, but I moved to Sunday’s Well when I was about 11. So really, I grew up around Sunday’s Well and split time between Mayfield and there.

I currently live in New Jersey after moving from New York City.

Growing up in Cork city was great. I really enjoyed the sense of community in the city and all of the familiar faces wherever I went.

I grew up playing football with Castleview and Leeds AFC. And in my teenage years, I spent five nights a week training at Siam Warriors Boxing Club. I really enjoyed my time there and miss the little community that I developed there.

I attended the North Monastery CBS and really enjoyed my time there; the teachers were excellent, and I received a great education.

After my Leaving Certificate, I attended and graduated from the Law International programme at the University College of Cork. I felt very lucky to be able to receive such a great education at two terrific educational institutions in my local area.

When did you move to the US, and why did you choose New York?

I moved to New York City right after the travel ban ended in late 2021 following the covid pandemic. I moved there for work.

Prior to 2021, I had lived in New York City for a year and met two excellent attorneys in Manhattan who specialised in what is called ‘white collar’ law work, which involve white collar crimes. Both of them offered me a job at their firm and allowed me to shadow them in the Federal Courts, etc.

Like many, my visa at the time was only for 12 months and so I had to return to Ireland.

But I was very lucky and they offered to sponsor me for a H1-B visa to return and work full-time. Thus, I returned to continue my work and education.

What is life like in your new home?

Life is great here in New Jersey, I really enjoy my work and neighbourhood. I get to work on really exciting cases and do what I love.

I also have taken up BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) but since I hurt my arm, I had to slow it down. I play seven-a-side football on Sundays with friends.

I like to go to restaurants/diners two or three times a week. In the summer I like to hike.

The city is always bustling, and it is very easy to find things to do. It is not uncommon to walk down a block and find a block party or local parade celebrating the culture of that neighbourhood.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There are a number of challenges, and it would be hard to pick the biggest. There are conventional challenges that you face such as visa issues. Everyone faces these issues and it can be difficult to overcome them.

There are more ethereal issues which you do not anticipate, such as a credit score - which is required for loans and renting apartments.

It is extremely difficult to land an apartment in New York City without an established credit score.

There are also other difficulties such as being required to make 40 x rent. That is, your yearly salary must be more than 40 times the cost of one month’s rent.

Then there are the personal challenges such as missing home and family. I think at some stage everyone misses home.

However, everyone now has the ability to video call home and message people at home which is great, but it is also a double-edged sword because it can make you miss home more.

I found it helpful to get involved in the Irish community in New York City. They are very welcoming and it is very nice to hear a familiar accent from home.

There are also other crutches such as going to Queens to purchase Irish chocolate and hot chicken rolls.

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

Culture in New York City varies from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Even then, within those neighbourhoods, it can vary block to block.

That is one of the amazing things about this city and something I always try to impress on people coming over. You really have to explore the neighbourhoods to understand the culture of each.

Where I was in New York, the culture was much more suburban - yes, New York City has suburban-esque neighbourhoods. There are a lot of families there and really great restaurants and cafes.

Now, being where I am in New Jersey, it is almost considered the sixth suburb of New York City.

The main difference for me between where I live now and Cork, is not knowing my neighbours. Where I grew up, I knew everybody on the street and you could talk to them. Now, if I know one person in my hallway, it is very strange, and if someone talks to me, I suspiciously wonder whether they have ulterior motives - which is maybe why people don’t talk to me in the building.

As far as culture shock moments go, other than the obvious lad from Cork in a sprawling metropolis, I had my first real interaction with the American health care system not too long ago.

I was playing seven-a-side football and fractured my arm. For my convenience, it cost me $2,000 for an x-ray, a sling and, the equivalent advice of ‘It’ll be better before you’re married’.

Also, before you say I don’t have insurance - I do, I actually have excellent insurance, but I also have a deductible aspect to it.

There are a lot of issues with the HSE in Ireland, but I don’t believe deductibles are one of them.

Tell us about your line of work/career?

I am an attorney barred in New York City. Currently, I represent policyholders in insurance coverage actions. In other words, I sue insurance companies.

I also am a member of the ‘white-collar’ practice and represent those accused of crimes in both State and Federal Court.

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

My most memorable moment was being sworn in as an attorney. Although it occurred via zoom, it was great to have my family online watching and my work colleagues in the room with me.

At the time, it felt like the true start of my professional career and the culmination of years of education. It was a great feeling and we had a great dinner afterwards.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

I would hate to single people out and forget anyone, but I do miss everybody and look forward to seeing them again later this year.

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

Obviously excluding family and friends, I always miss the beaches. People take it for granted in the city that you are only ever about a half-hour drive from the coastline.

And, the places along the coast are beautiful with excellent food. I think it is an unfortunately underrated part of Cork which is only really appreciated by the tourists.

The best part about the Irish beaches - compared to the American beaches - is that they are free. For instance, in New Jersey, during the summer months, you are required to get a day pass in order to sit on the beach, which is about $20.

What would be your ideal day if you were back in Cork for one day?

My ideal day back in Cork would be a regular Sunday.

I always loved Sundays in Ireland, especially in both of my grandparents’ houses. Each house always had a Sunday dinner where the entire family would attend. It is a very Irish phenomenon which I have not really seen elsewhere in the States.

There really is nothing much better than sitting with your family, eating, and slagging each other.

Once I left Ireland, it was always something I missed and appreciated more and more each time I returned.