Keanan Crutchley has lived in three continents in his 20 years.
He and his family moved from South Africa to Dubai at an early age and when he was 14 years old they moved again, this time to settle down in Ratheniska just outside Portlaoise.
The Ratheniska resident is now studying Aviation Management in DCU and works as a barman in Lilly’s Bar and Restaurant, Portlaoise.
When did you move to Ireland and how did you end up in Laois?
“I moved to Ireland six years ago with my family and we ended up living in Ratheniska. It’s funny because we traced it back and actually have relatives in Stradbally.
“We lived in Dubai before living here and we moved to Ireland when I was a teenager as we have Irish connections – my mother’s father is Irish and my mother’s surname is Mulligan. I went to Clongowes College from second year up to sixth year and now I’m studying in DCU,” he said.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Ireland?
“I definitely enjoy the party culture in Ireland,” he laughed. “People are a lot more friendly and open and just more willing to start a conversation. Like you could walk down the street and people just say ‘hello’ to you.
I love the whole culture here – I think that’s why I like working behind the bar so much.
Have you visited your home country much since you left?
I have but probably not as much as I would like to but I’ve been to both South Africa and Dubai since we moved to Ireland.”
Have you noticed any changes since you left your home country?
“The crime rate has definitely gone up in South Africa. The politics there aren’t very stable either. Dubai has changed massively. I would have known streets there that have changed completely with skyscrapers and hotels that I wouldn’t know anymore.
Dubai is also like a kind of come-in state now. People go there for a few years but rarely ever stay there long-term.”
What’s the biggest difference between Ireland and your home country?
“The biggest difference is definitely the culture. There’s a huge culture difference between Dubai and Ireland. In Dubai you can only drink when you’re 21, whereas the drinking age here is 18. Then with couples you can’t show public displays of affection there,” he added.
What have learned most since arriving in Ireland?
“I suppose I’ve learnt more about Irish culture and dismissed the Irish stereotypes I heard when I was younger, like about a lack of technology and all of that stuff.”
Do you meet many people from your home country living here?
“I don’t meet many people my age here but I do know there’s a huge South African community here, like my doctor is South African.
“There were four other guys from the United Arab Emirates with me in Clongowes so we were able to talk about things from Dubai and Abu Dhabi there,” said Keanan.
Will you return to live in your home country at some point in the future?
“I don’t think so, I like it here and there’s not as much stability in South Africa at the moment. I haven’t really thought about it yet but I would like to stay here,” he concluded.
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