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An Irish immigrant’s story on St. Patrick’s Day
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March 17, 2026
An Irish immigrant’s story on St. Patrick’s Day
By Robert G. Kearns
Special to The Globe and Mail
After a happy childhood growing up in Ireland, I chose to emigrate to Canada in November, 1979. I was 24 years of age. My Irish father and British mother and an aunt who lived with us were loving and caring. Of my three siblings, only my eldest brother stayed in Ireland.
The late 1970s were difficult times economically in Ireland. In early 1979, there was a series of strikes, including 200 petrol lorry drivers, making fuel hard to find for businesses. Unemployment was rising.
My arts degree in archaeology, and Greek and Roman civilization, was not an advantage for my employment prospects. However, in the two years before I left, I found work in the Irish ladies’ fashion industry. I have many happy memories of those years, travelling around Ireland, selling skirts and blouses to boutiques in towns and villages all over the country – whenever petrol was available – in my convertible Morris Minor.
Every emigrant has a personal story. It is difficult to impart the magnitude of emotion in leaving the land of one’s birth. I left Ireland in 1979, with a spirit of adventure, proud of my Irish identity and heritage. I was not in any way a victim of oppression or starvation. I wanted to experience life outside of Ireland, lured by the great opportunities Canada had to offer. Read More.
About This News Item:
Original Article at: The Globe and Mail
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