Slán go fóill

Almost exactly two years ago, I rocked up in Dublin, in a hairdresser’s car packed to the gill, as I moved after living in London for the best part of a decade. And now, in a couple of weeks, I’ll be moving again.

I actually moved to Dublin on September 10th 2010, starting in the office on the 13th, and tomorrow, September 12th 2012, will be my last day here. It’s been an amazing two years, with some great wins for Mindshare Ireland, including winning media agency of the year, as well as any number of new biz wins, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a nicer bunch of people to work with and would like to thank all of them for putting up with my bad jokes.

Whilst I’ve always had an Irish name, I would never have claimed to feel particularly Irish. And wouldn’t now.

But I definitely feel like I’ve become, at least partially, a Dubliner (and hopefully not just a West Brit), and am glad that I have. It’s an amazing city, in an amazing country, full of intelligent, innovative, friendly people and, if it manages to stop being shat on for a few years, by all the idiots at the top, I have no doubt it will bounce back stronger than ever. I’ll certainly be rooting for them from afar.

Before I head down under, there’s the little matter of some nuptials and a much needed honeymoon, and I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank my beautiful flat-mate of the last two years for allowing me to discover her Dublin, and for coming with me on an adventure down under. I’m so excited about all of it, and really can’t wait to get started.

And so, as I say au revoir to Ireland, or even slán go fóill, it only seems fitting to leave you with the piece of Irish music that will stay with me the longest from my time in the Emerald Isle…

I don’t need insurance,
I don’t need no parking space,
and if you try to clamp my horse,
he’ll kick you in the face.

Oh yes indeed. Enjoy and mine’s a Guinness.

The picture at the top is one I took of some street-art on South William Street. There’s plenty more amazing pieces like this around town, and it’s just another reason that I really do love the place.

8 comments

  1. Dude, sorry I didnt make it out for pints. Have a great “day out” and hopefully our paths will cross again at some stage. Im pretty sure I owe you a football match or two.. All the best to you and the soon-to-be new missus, and tell her to hold on to that napkin, it may be worth a bit of money in a few years!!

  2. I love this, good luck with the move, congratulations on getting married and have a great time down under !! Sal x

  3. Good luck Ciaran in the land where everything ends in “…ies” and will miss your presentations; always entertaining. Keep spreading the digital word…or whatever it is you do for a living!! Dermo

  4. Russell – sounds good. Autumn is definitely in the air here.

    Ken – didn’t know you’d joined the gang – will definitely try to get to Shanghai some time!

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