“Go First Class, Your heirs will!!”
Born in the capital of Ireland – “Tipperary”, I moved to Australia with my wife Mary in 1969. We settled in Melbourne and had 2 children, Christina & Patrick. Right from our arrival in Melbourne, Mary & I were very involved with the Irish community through the GAA playing hurling with Young Irelands. It was through this involvement that established our social network and today many of our best friends are from those early days – they become your Australian family.
It was important that our children understood and knew about their Irish heritage. This was of course done through sport, Irish Dancing and later through music. It is with pride that to this day each of the children are proud to be Irish Australians and involved in the Irish community. I now have 2 grandchildren – Darcy & Ava and still we love to tell them about their family in Ireland and ensure they know about the music and the people.
My Travel Career
For 20 years Mary and I had our own taxi business and then I moved into Sales for an Irish travel agency in Melbourne. In 1989 I opened Shamrock Travel with a business partner and in 2003 joined Mary & my daughter Christina at Emerald Travel. Working with the Irish community in Australia has been positive – getting to know so many and being able to give back through sponsorship. My philosophy has always been to help – especially when it comes to receiving the news that one must travel home in that emergency – we have all been there and understand the pain and anxiety at these dreaded times.
Travelled to
Ireland, UK, France, Italy, New York, Hawaii, South Africa, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong, Fiji, New Zealand & Australia
Dream Holiday
Ireland – July, August, and September – love this time of the year. I get to play golf and more golf plus attend the All Ireland hurling (Up Tipp) and football – what more does one want or need !!
Likes
Golf, hurling, football, rugby, AFL, golf, catching up with friends, meeting new people, golf and family.
Community Involvement
Gaelic Park Committee, Celtic Club – committee and past president, Irish Chamber of Commerce, Clayton (former past president) & East Malvern Rotary, GIN – representative for Australia – Global Irish Network
Travel Tip
Don’t leave home without it – travel insurance.