‘Growing up, I always knew I’d leave Ireland’

When I was eleven I wanted to live in Hamburg. I also wanted to be a cartographer and was obsessed with what I called “instrumental” music. I’m not sure if any of that is linked but I had a definite plan to live in Hamburg.

As years went by Hamburg changed to London, Barcelona, New York and New Zealand. Isn’t it odd that throughout my formative years I never saw myself living in Ireland? I always knew I’d leave.

And I did leave. Boston, Brussels, Sydney, and currently the London commuter town of Hertford have all had the pleasure of my residence.

I met my wife, an English girl with Irish stock, in Sydney. In an alternate universe she fell for my more charming housemate and not me. They’re happily married and I’m still in Australia. I earn more, am a lot fitter, but live 17,000 km away. I’m very thankful she picked me.

I’m very comfortable in the UK and get to Cork about four times a year. Life here isn’t that different to life there of course, but it is different. It took years of self-restraint to remember to allow people to finish their sentences and now it annoys me when my friends jump in when I’m speaking.

It's politer but it hinders conversation. In Ireland, we'll interrupt you when everyone at the table knows your point, punch line, where you're going or has heard it before. Be interesting or be damned. In England they'll politely listen, laugh and put the kettle on.

British culture is becoming more and more tabloid and it can make me feel unwelcome at times. Immigrant is a really dirty word here and people tend to forget I am one. I’m doing my bit for diversity though. I’m proud that more than one Englishman in my office regularly greet each other with “What’s the craic?”

Although I miss home and often think what my life would be like if Mum was around the corner and I could play football on Wednesday nights with the lads, in reality I’ve never been happier. Walking on Barley Cove beach a few times a year (no matter the weather) is enough for me.

I never made it to Hamburg and I am not a cartographer, but emigration has worked for me.

Last November, The Irish Times invited readers abroad to submit reflections on their relationship with the land they left. This story is one we received. To read more, click here. The Irish Times 'Ireland and Me' eBook is available for download here.