Corkonians Abroad: I left Knocknaheeny to be a teacher and mother in Paris

Wed, 28 May, 2025 - 07:10

Originally from Knocknaheeny in Cork city, Jen O’Sullivan now lives in the French capital of Paris with her own family. I asked her about how she ended up there.

Tell me about your early life in Cork:

I am from Knocknaheeny, on the northside. I grew up with my sister and brother, and my parents in the same house they still live in.

It was pretty great growing up back in the 1980s, we were always out in the green playing - the play scheme in the summer, the youth club, the Brigíns. I had good friends who I still see when I’m home.

I went to St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School and remember having wonderful teachers.

I switched to North Pres. for secondary school, where I felt a bit lost but survived!

Where do you currently live?

I currently live in Paris, France, and have been here since 2014.

Was there any particular reason why you moved there?

Jen O’Sullivan, originally from the northside of Cork city, with her daughter, Rori

I moved here after a few years in New York City, 11 years in Toronto, and another year in London.

I met my French partner, Farid, in Toronto and, when we decided to be together, we figured Paris would be a good move - it’s also his home city.

How is life in your new home?

It’s grand. The French are different but are welcoming. I mean, I moved here with not a word of French, and I remember the boulanger (baker) on our corner helping me as I made a million mistakes!

What has been the biggest challenge? And how have you tackled it?

My biggest challenge has been the language, definitely. Though I am much more fluent now, it can still be complicated to be myself when I meet new people.

My daughter Rori (as Irish as I could get for the French!)) goes to school, and I am getting to know her friends’ parents. It’s making my French better, but it can feel weird and sometimes like I’m playing a part in a play. Haha!

How might you spend your weekends in Paris?

Weekends, for now, are about resting after a busy work week - time with my partner and daughter, walking the dog, or chilling with the cat.

I see friends for dinner when I can, sometimes I visit a museum or new coffee shop, or take the train to a small village for a walkabout.

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

The French are different in the north, south, east, and west.

We visit the Cote d’Azur during the summer holidays and it’s a much slower pace there.

Paris is much more rush, rush, rush. I get caught up in the day- to day-of it all sometimes and try to remember it’s an incredible city and remind myself to stop and play tourist when I can.

That’s why I love it when friends and family visit.

Tell us about your line of work/career?

I work as a Montessori Educator in a bilingual school and have been in classrooms since I arrived in Paris.

I love my job, especially the kids, and can’t believe how lucky I am to have discovered this wonderful teaching method.

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

Definitely having my daughter. It wasn’t always easy, and I was far from home, but she’s wonderful and make me laugh with her mix of Irish and French energy.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Of course! Mam and Dad! I know they’ll be thrilled to see this if it makes it into The Echo. They read it every day and this reminds me of when they used to call the radio back in the day to have them call out birthdays! We were thrilled to hear our names.

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

Walk into town, down through Sunday’s Well. Lunch at Good Day Deli.