Fergal Burke

In 1994, my life took a transformative turn when I received a Morrison Visa, a moment I can only describe as akin to winning the lottery. Growing up in Galway, I lived above the Harbour Bar, surrounded by the noise and chaos of a life that felt increasingly constrained. My world was closing in, and opportunities seemed out of reach. The Morrison Visa was my chance to break free from the dead-end jobs that defined my early life.

“My journey to America began with a simple A-frame sign outside Galway’s unemployment office, pointing me toward the possibility of a new life”

It was a lottery system, but to me, it was like hitting the lottery right on the head. The timing couldn’t have been better. In June 1994, I landed in New York City. At first, I stayed with my brother-in-law, but I eventually settled in Woodlawn, a vibrant Irish community in the Bronx.

Like many new arrivals, my early days in America were filled with challenges. I worked in construction, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. My big break came when a bartender failed to show up at Flannery’s Bar on 14th Street. With no prior experience, I stepped behind the counter and gave it my best. Henry Condren, the owner and a fellow Irishman, liked what he saw and offered me the job. From that day forward, opportunities just kept coming.

My journey through New York’s bustling bar scene spanned decades and eventually led to owning several successful establishments, including Genesis, O’ Donohue’s, and Crompton Ale House. But I never got there alone. I’ve always been deeply grateful to the people who gave me a chance, from Bruce Morrison to Henry Condren and Danny Doohan. The Irish are great for giving each other a break, and I’ve been lucky to benefit from that.

September 11, 2001, stands out as one of the most significant and challenging moments of my life in New York. I was bartending at Flannery’s on 14th Street, which became a gathering place for firefighters, police officers, and EMTs in the aftermath of the attacks. The chaos and heartbreak of that day were overwhelming, but it also showed me the resilience and strength of the New York community. It was a time of deep sorrow, but also one of solidarity and hope.

Despite my achievements, life in America hasn’t been without its challenges. Sobriety was a personal battle. I stopped drinking in 2000, but 17 years later, I slipped up. It cost me a lot, including my marriage, but I’ve been back on track for five and a half years now. That experience has deepened my appreciation for second chances—a theme that’s run through my entire life.

“Reflecting on my journey, I can say without a doubt that the Morrison Visa changed everything. It didn’t just give me a new start; it gave me a platform to thrive”

The opportunities here are enormous if you’re willing to work. My advice to others is simple: never forget where you came from, and always pay it forward. Today, I’m proud to offer others the same chances I once received, helping them carve out their own success stories in America.

The Morrison Visa’s legacy is something I hold close to my heart. We need more Bruce Morrisons in the world. This country was built on immigration, and programs like the Morrison Visa ensure that hardworking people have the chance to contribute and succeed. From Galway to New York, my story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of the Irish diaspora. I’ll always be grateful for the life-changing impact of the Morrison Visa, and I’m committed to keeping its legacy alive.