Corkonians Abroad: I live in Texas, it’s a law unto itself!

Where are you from in Cork, and what was it like growing up there?

I’m from south of the city, Ballinlough. It was amazing growing up there with a great bunch of pals, who are still buddies today.

We were typical boys - sports and mischief. Soccer, hurling, and tennis, depending on what tournament was on at that time.

When did you move to the U.S?

We moved to Houston in 2020. My wife’s parents lived here. It was in the middle of covid, so we decided to leave Dallas and go to Houston.

During that time, there was a lot of uncertainty in the world, and we were both able to work from home. We decided then that having family near would be a good thing for us, hence why we bought and sold our house within three weeks. Usually, it would take at least six to eight weeks.

I didn’t even see the house before we moved into it, my father-in-law looked at it, I said I’d just go with the flow. He’d have a better eye for the mechanics of a house and maintenance things anyway, plus I knew he wouldn’t leave his daughter and grandkids in a kip. He might sacrifice me alright.

What is life like in your new home?

It’s good, the neighbourhood is nice, it’s safe. And there’s a few local pubs around the place for a couple of pints also.

It’s very different to back home, everything is a car journey.

We really like the schools in the area. And our neighbours tolerate the fact that a ball is constantly landing into their yard. No drama.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There have been numerous ones. The overall journey in the U.S from waiting to receiving visas. To green cards and all that’s in between.

The political uncertainty - at the end of the day, you’re in another part of the world, but it is still the daily routine for most people.

It’s hard to believe I have been here for 16 years now, a wife and two kids later and no intent on leaving.

Anyone that has aspirations of coming to the U.S, be prepared that the movie depicts a different story for most. There are pros and cons to every situation,

America is a wonderful place with so much to offer, it’s important to remember that there are 330 million people in this country. Texas has 35 million people.

How might you spend your weekends?

Weekends have changed a lot since kids arrived, we spend them now going to their games and living on their schedules - even writing that makes me question it.

Both kids are active, my eldest, Liam, just finished a flag football season, he is eight. They take it very serious, even at that age group.

Aidan is my other lad, he is six and he needs to sit out more than he sits in for his games. The red mist, that’s on his mother’s side!

We all love to play soccer, and they come to my games on Sunday evenings, we play over 35 leagues. It’s very competitive and a mix of nationalities. At the end of the game, though, a beer is had.

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

Where we live is very international, Houston is a hub for oil and gas, and we have friends from all nations.

Man, the differences from Ireland are vast. In Ireland, if someone stops you and asks how your day is going, they genuinely want to know how your day is going. In the States, it’s always a rush to get to the next place.

When I first moved to the States, I lived in Denver, Colorado, I was hired as a ‘Beer Ambassador’ for Diageo. I would be out until all hours in the night promoting the brand. I couldn’t believe how it was received, they would be thinking I was a real ambassador and f**k it, I went along with too.

You’d have great craic, winding people up and playing into it.

Tell us about your line of work/career?

I started out as an accountant after college but knew within the first hour that this was not for me.

I left a good job with EY Dublin and made the move to Denver, Colorado, to be a beer ambassador. I’ve worked with Guinness, AB, and now I work with two hilarious comedians, Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer. I launched their vodka brand, Por Osos, with them and now lead their sales team.

It’s a ton of fun, I don’t like the corporate nonsense that goes on, it’s for some but was never for me. This is a ‘no holds barred, everything is said’ group, I love it.

I have launched my own businesses in the US, a kids’ vitamin water called Wildchild with my buddy from UCC, Donal Long. We had some great wins early with it, but the cost to do business in the retail market in the US combined with the fact that the product offerings existing at retail were high sugar and cheaper would sway a price-conscious customer.

We had some incredible experiences though, from being on the floor at Costco to moving a supply chain to Mexico.

I also had a pet boarding hotel in Dallas that is still going strong today. Cleaning dog s**t all day will teach you manners.

Are there any wider societal issues that you see in Ireland that aren’t a problem in your new home? Or vice versa?

Yes, well, Texas is a law of its own. They say don’t mess with Texas, and that is for sure.

The driving can be somewhat crazy - and try not to get involved in any road rage.

We have issues like Ireland regarding crime, etc, it feels like no matter where in the world we are, the media is drumming up societal issues.

In Irish news, I hear a lot about housing and immigration. Similar stories here.

Ireland has a very strong balance sheet from all the corporate tax it has accumulated, How is the government deploying this capital? Is it building infrastructure to support housing projects?

When I am at home and driving along the quays, I see the development where the old brewery used to be, that has been earmarked for an events hall, maybe five years ago? That would not happen here, too many lobbyists and not enough action.

Maybe I am here too long, but an issue like the Garth Brooks concert being cancelled years ago because of activists would not be something that would fly here.

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

Meeting my wife Brittney and raising two sons.

I tell anyone that will listen that she asked me to marry her over a pint of Guinness.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Cork is my favourite place on the planet, that will never change. A sunny day in Ballycotton is majestic and the people of Cork bring the best laughs.

My brother just had his first child, born in Dublin but surely will get a tattoo of the Rebel County.

My sister Ciara has three amazing kids that I love to see when I am home, and that is what it is all about, having fun with the family, playing sport and enjoying the moment.

My mum is still rocking into work at Mona’s Antiques every day and it gives me real smiles that she has the zest for enjoying the moment.

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

Ha, lunch with the family and then meet the lads for a few pints and watch my buddy consume his seventh pint of Heineken.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

Liam MacCarthy. It’s been too long without an All-Ireland. This year we have some panel.

There is a great Irish community here and the GAA clubs are getting stronger all the time.

I do miss the people and the wit, there is something magical about it.