Kiltoom's Seamus Cunningham with his wife, Rhiannon, and children, Maeve and Bridget.

Christmas Abroad: Spell in Australia was extended when Kiltoom man met his wife

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 22 Dec 2023, 11:36 AM

Kiltoom's Seamus Cunningham is based in Sydney and has been living 'Down Under' for more than a decade.

How did your move to Australia come about?

I had planned to go to Australia for a year only (that's a very common story!) and spend time with my brother, Padraic, who was living in Sydney at the time. Then I met my wife!

How long have you been based in Australia and what do you do there?

I'm in Sydney since 2011 and I work as a Project Manager

What are the best and worst things about living there?

The best: We have two small children, and the parks here are amazing. In general, the ability to be outdoors 365 days a year is fantastic.

The worst: Distance from home!

What are your plans for Christmas Day this year?

My wife Rhiannon is going to her sister's wedding in London over Christmas, so Christmas Day will be with the kids, Maeve (aged 4) and Bridget (aged 2). We will have a belated celebration when my wife returns on December 28.

Seamus said the ability to spend time enjoying the outdoors all year round is one of the advantages of life in Sydney.

What are some of the things you will miss about Christmas in Ireland?

Christmas was always a special time with family and friends back home, catching up, and heading out for a few drinks in Sean's Bar!

Is there any message you'd like to send to your friends or family reading this?

A big hello to my father, John, brothers Padraic, John, Noel, sisters Maura, Elaine and Mairead, and my 13 wonderful nephews and nieces. Hello to all my friends around the Athlone area also, and a Happy Christmas to you all.