A glitzy gala dinner at the top of the Rockefeller Centre with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline is certainly a symbol of the success of many Irish immigrants to America.
Among the 40 or so recipients of Morrison Visas in the room, there are many tales to be shared.
“I came to New York knowing that it was the melting pot of letting and helping our dreams come true,” said Orla Maguire, founder of beauty brand Lash Star.
These days every country has the same global platform, she said, but back then, the opportunities afforded here in New York, would not have been possible in Ireland.
“I just thank my lucky stars that I was blessed to get the opportunity because I know it’s just so difficult nowadays,” she said.
Elaine Brennan, executive director at Northwell Health said that she never saw herself as an immigrant.
“I saw myself as an explorer.
“You know, we were in our early 20s, and the world is our oyster, and we happened to have won the lotto – which was the Morrison visa,” she said.
