Corkonians Abroad: I miss the Cork takeaways...you can't get a good Chinese in NY

Q: Where are you from originally, David, and what was life like there?

I was born in Cork city and grew up in Ballyphehane. Life was pretty good there.

I had a very basic 9-5 job and loved spending time with family and friends.

When I finished secondary school at Coláiste Chríost Rí I didn’t fancy college at all. I got into a trade but absolutely hated it! I think I lasted four months.

I loved playing soccer so I decided to enrol into a two-year programme at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa. I met some great people there and got involved in some coaching. The people I met here are a big reason why I left Cork for New York City.

Q: What drove you to move to another country?

I was dating a girl at the time who was also from Cork and she got offered a full soccer scholarship to play in the states. I went back and forth for those college years and eventually left Ireland in 2008.

I was lucky to get a work visa for the first three years of my time in New York. I worked full time as a soccer coach and absolutely loved it. I still do it to this day.

After three years, I enrolled into college. six years and three degrees later I am a fully certified PE and Health teacher in New York City. I am currently in my 10th year as a full-time teacher. I still coach soccer as a side job.

Q: Where do you live now, and what is it like there?

I currently live in Kings Park, New York, about an hour outside of Manhattan, located on Long Island. I got married in April, 2025, to Jessica Lodato, who I now live with along with our dog, Gracie! I commute two hours to work every morning - four trains!

Q: Do you have family where you live now?

My wife and I currently live with my father- in-law, Vincent. Jessica’s mom and sister are under 30 minutes away. Her family has been very welcoming.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your new home?

Getting married in the U.S was a very memorable moment for us. The venue was amazing. A very special moment for us was having my Irish friends and family over for the occasion.

Q: What is your job/career where you now live?

I am a teacher for the New York City Public school system. My school is located in Astoria, Queens. It is a 6-12 grade school.

I also coach soccer for LI Soccer Club in the evenings and weekends.

Q: How might you spend your weekends?

I love to ski in the winter. Our family has a cabin on the mountain in Pennsylvania. We go there most weekends in the winter.

I also love to travel. My wife and I have been to 22 National Parks over the last 5 years. I also love to play golf and spend time with friends.

Q: How is the culture where you live different from Cork/Ireland? How is it the same?

The culture is not too far off from each other. There is a lot more to do during your spare time here but people still have their jobs and hang with friends when possible.

There are a lot of English and Irish lads in the soccer community here. Having these guys around makes it feel like home at times.

Q: What do you miss most about Cork?

I miss the takeaways! You cannot get good Chinese here. I love a good chicken curry with fried rice.

I miss being around the people you grew up with, but time has changed a lot. I have been living in America for almost 20 years.

Q: Do you get to go home to Cork often? What do you do when you return?

I normally get home every Christmas. I had a tough spell for about five years due to covid and visa issues but that is all sorted now and I try to get back when I can.

My parents came here for Christmas this year but hopefully I will get back sometime this year.

Q: Any special mentions to family/friends back home in Cork?

My siblings have always been so supportive and in awe of my achievements I have accomplished here. They are great parents to my wonderful nieces and nephews and should be proud of their own work.

My parents, Karen and Jimmy, have always been supportive. It took my dad about 15 years to finally give up on trying to get me to move back!

Q: If you could spend an ideal day in Cork, what would that entail?

A fry-up at home made by my mother. Watch Leeds beat Man U on TV. A few pints down the local with some friends and my dad. End the night with a Chinese takeaway.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

We hope to start a family of our own this year. We have plans to travel and ski in Switzerland in February. I am almost finished with another college degree which will allow me to apply for administration jobs (assistant principal and athletic director). I would love to finish off my career in one of these roles.

Q: Any other information you wish to add?

I was a terrible student in Cork but putting in the hard work pays off. I graduated college in New York as class Salutatorian (second highest in graduating class), which was something I was very proud of.