This week our Rebel Rambler is Berrings Boy Brendan Moynihan who marketed his way to becoming Assistant Brand Manager in Australia…. for Cork distilled whiskey Jameson. This larger than life Corkonian is living the high life in Sydney but there’s only one thing on his mind, the comforts of Cork cooking.

Name: Brendan Moynihan

Age: 27

Occupation: Assistant Brand Manager, Jameson – Pernod Ricard Australia

Where in Cork you are from: Berrings

How long has it been since you emigrated from Ireland?

I left Ireland in August 2010, so two years now.

Why did you decide to leave Cork?

Initially I left to study in DCU for 4 years. I then went onto work for Kerry Foods in Tallaght  for over four years. Working in marketing, most opportunities were in Dublin, so even though I wanted to live in Cork, it wasn’t really an option. Dublin’s grand but it’s no Cork.

What made you emigrate to the place youlive in at the moment.

I always wanted to travel to Australia and see some of the world. I saw plenty of America on J1 visas and holidays but wanted to experience of living abroad for at least a year. There was a big restructure in my company and I decided it was an ideal time for me to head over to some friends based in Melbourne. I absolutely loved Melbourne but I didn’t secure sponsorship there. For my regional work to secure the 2nd year working holiday Visa, I lived on a sheep farm in Western Australia for four months. After travelling the West Coast up to Darwin, I moved to Sydney and got a job with Pernod Ricard within weeks, who sponsored me pretty much immediately – thank God.

What’s your favourite thing about your new home?

The lifestyle is incredible. Aussies are so laid back they are practically horizontal. Regardless of age, people have a fantastic work life balance and are great banter. There is so much going on and to see (the country is massive), so every weekend presents an opportunity to try something new. Weather is also unreal even though it’s bitter this winter. Thing I’ll miss the most if I leave is the Australian beers – It’s daycent.

What do you miss most about Cork?

The obvious answer would be the people but I really miss the food. Off the plane, I’m going to head straight to Hillbilly’s for a breast in a bun. Will wash that down with a bottle of Tanora as I stroll up to Lennox’s and maul a burger there. Cannot wait for a spicy chicken fillet roll from Centra. l’ll get my Mam to make bacon and cabbage and later that evening, will get a proper chicken curry, or even a 3 in 1. Then off to Blair’s for a scoop or two. Did I mention I miss the food? Now, as I sit here in Sydney, I’m hanging for a pack of Monster Munch. Lethal!

What do you miss least about Cork?

The negative outlook on life due to the recession. We love complaining but the Irish media don’t help the situation at home at all. They fuel the doom and gloom. Think we need to focus on the positives the country has to offer to help turns things round. We need a national success like Italia 90 to turn things round. No pressure so, Katie Taylor!  Things have been extremely tough for a lot of people in Ireland. Every now and then you meet people over here that have a negative outlook on life and when you think of the ‘champagne problems’ they have compared to people back home – they don’t realise how good they have it.

How did family and friends react when you emigrated?

I had no idea as to how long I would stay so think we all thought I’d be back within a year or so. Some friends were convinced I wouldn’t get on the plane. I miss them all mad but have met incredible people on the way too. I also miss family events and I have a Godchild I have yet to meet! I am going home for three weeks in August for my brother’s wedding which will be my first trip back so I cannot wait. I’m sure the boys will bring me back down to earth over the first pint of plain.

Do you plan to return to live in Ireland anytime in the future? 

Being honest, no. Life is too good out here. My career is very important to me and I love it. However, Jameson is obviously distilled in Cork so who knows. It would take a lot to move me home. Saying that, down the road I would like to be closer to home. Already considering New York but that’s years down the line.

Would you like to raise your family abroad?

Yes and no. Yes as in there is a great education system and fantastic opportunities over here. And because of the cultural diversity, I think it is a great benefit to experience such a variety of ethnicities and cultural differences. No, because I would love for my Mam, Dad and family to be a part of my kids’ lives and also I want them to have pure Cork accents! D’ya know whadda meaaaan, like?!

Does social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Skype make it easier to move abroad?

Definitely! Facebook is brilliant to see pictures of events (birthdays, weddings, ‘any excuse’ events) that you can’t get home for. Twitter is incredible for literally second by second news updates. It’s actually class to keep on top of local GAA results around Cork. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for previous generations emigrating without telecommunications but Skype is savage. You get to see everyone, nieces growing up etc, it definitely makes it easier #havingthetimeofourlives

If you would like to be a Rebel Rambler, or know someone who fits the bill,  then contact Peter Horgan at phorgan@corkindependent.com