‘I miss McCormick’s fry-up!’

In this week in Across the Water, Martin Grant talks to Philip Gray , originally Fatima, now living in Manchester.

Originally from?

I am originally from Fatima, Dundalk.

Parents names and names of family?

Philip & Winnie Gray. Sisters Lilian & Patricia and my brother Noel.

When did you leave and why ?

I left in October 1965. My father was made redundant and had to go to England to find work.

What’s your occupation?

Typesetter/Apple Mac Operator

What’s the biggest difference in settling into your new home?

I left when I was nine and at first it was difficult to adjust. Although we speak the same language, some words had different meanings, ie. skint

Is the social life much different from home?

Not really, I live in a large Irish community area so there is plenty of “craic” in the local pubs/clubs but there is a greater variety of things to do.

How do you like to relax?

Watching sports and socialising with friends at weekends.

Have you been home since leaving and what changes have you noticed?

I try to get home every September and the town seems to get bigger each time.

What’s the best and worst things about being away from home?

Not having the Euro and missing Dundalk and the Cooley Peninsula.

Have you plans in the future to return home to Ireland for good?

I would love to come “home” if my circumstances changed.

Name one thing from home that you wish you could buy in your local store?

It would have to be two things, McCormacks for a good fry-up and a Brunch.

Have you a message for your friends and family?

Just had a great week at home and hope to do it all again next year. A big hello to my cousin Bernard (Binno) Gray, Nora Carty, Dessie O’Connor and special hello to Tom Gernon for letting me and my cousin Pat Short pick the music for Dundalk FM show recently.