Athlone couple moved to Vancouver during pandemic

Joseph Connor from Tang, and originally from Assumption Road in Athlone, is based in Vancouver, having moved there with his partner, Eimear O'Driscoll from the Bullet Road in Ballykeeran, in October.

Joseph recently answered these questions for the 'Christmas Away From Home' feature in the Westmeath Independent.

* Tell us about your move to Vancouver? What do you do there?

So, myself and Eimear came over in mid-October. It was a weird travel experience, especially during a global pandemic. I'm working as an electrician over here, and Eimear works as a recruitment specialist.

* What have the last couple of months been like for you in Canada?

I'm currently sitting in Johnny Foxes Irish pub, in Downtown Vancouver, having a pint and chatting to a few Galway lads at the bar. That experience of the social aspect of everyday life seems to be non-existent in Ireland at the minute (masks obviously must be worn here if you're walking the common area of the establishment). So that's a welcome change, to me anyway, in Canada compared to Ireland.

* What's the current situation with Covid-19 in the Vancouver area (as of mid-December)?

Everyone is doing their best to flatten the curve, but there are quite a few cases every day here, as well as in Canada as a whole. The social scene and retail outlets are operating with restrictions in place.

* What are the main things you miss about Christmas in Ireland?

Mother's cooking! But, honestly, just being with our respective families and seeing friends from a distance, going to Coosan Mass on Christmas morning with my father, heading home for my mother's famous Christmas dinner, and then relaxing for the rest of the day.

* Is there any message you would like to send to friends or family reading this?

I want to say a big hello to my Dad Michael, Mam Pamela, twin brother Chris, sister Róisín, and bró-in-law, Peter. Also, a big Happy Christmas to my godson and nephew Seamus on his first Christmas.

Eimear would like to say hello to her Dad Aidan, Mam Deirdre, sister Niamh, and brothers Cillian and Conor.