"The Morrison Visa gave me the chance to build a life on my terms, to contribute, and to belong. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity."
In 1992, the Morrison Visa became my gateway to a new life. At the time, I was living in New Haven, Connecticut, and my brother and I were both applying for legal residency in the U.S. through the program. I consider myself incredibly blessed, not just for receiving the visa, but for what it led to: a life shared between Florida and New Jersey with my loving wife of over 29 years and our two remarkable sons.
“Growing up in Ballybunion, County Kerry, I had always been curious about the world beyond Ireland.”
One of the more vivid memories from home was working as a caddie at the Ballybunion Championship Golf Course. I had a trick for knowing when Americans were coming: from the second level of my family’s pub, The Bunker Bar, I could see the brightly dressed tourists stepping off the tour buses, often lugging massive golf bags. They were easy to spot, and they tipped well, too.
My first real taste of America came at just 17 years old. Landing in Chicago was a culture shock in the best sense. I still remember seeing eight lanes of traffic and thinking, “Where is everyone going?” I was headed to Logansport, Indiana, where my American cousins lived. They welcomed me into their community, and I quickly grew to love American culture. From high school basketball games to boxcar races down the town hill, it all felt like something out of a movie. To this day, I’m still a fan of Da Bears.
“Still, moving to the U.S. was the best decision I ever made. I learned that kindness is everywhere here, but it’s not weakness. I worked hard, stayed focused, and tried to carry forward a spirit of integrity and gratitude.”
Along the way, I reconnected with a friend from Ballybunion, Pat Brown, who was house-sitting George Harrison’s yacht, the Sea Star. While we never got to live on the boat, those moments hanging out dockside are unforgettable.
The Morrison Visa gave me the chance to build a life on my terms, to contribute, and to belong. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity and for the country that welcomed me in.
Your experience is a part of the Morrison Legacy. Whether it’s about the opportunities the Morrison Visa created or the connections it fostered, your experience helps celebrate the lasting impact of this program on the Irish-American community. Join us in preserving this incredible legacy by sharing your journey today.
