‘I’m just like one of those trying to get over the wall in US’
A TRALEE man’s story about life as an immigrant in the US has struck a chord with the hearts and minds of the nation after RTE’s ‘ The Undocumented’ captured the trials of life for the Irish working illegally in the US.
David – who chose not to give his full name for fear of being identified by US immigration authorities – is a former player with Austin Stacks who has been living in New York for four years. He spoke openly about his battle with loneliness, drinking and gambling during his transition to life in America. Initially, David headed stateside to play football but hit a difficult spell after sustaining an injury.
“The first winter I came out here I broke my leg and had to have surgery. Idle hands for me are the devil’s playground as such. I started to bet online,” David revealed.
David’s raw emotion about life struck a chord, with thousands of people taking to twitter to praise him for his openness about his personal ordeals and how they encapsulated the feelings of so many undocumented Irish in the US.
“Loneliness is the emotion I felt most, but didn’t realise I was feeling that. You can be lost inside in a bar. I had to go to meetings for alcohol and gambling – they’re two demons of mine as such. I guess when I first came here they were kind of crutches for me.”
David found solace through the GAA where, along with playing, he rediscovered his passion for carpentry. He spoke candidly about the impact of racism that he witnesses daily and questioned why the Irish should be treated any differently than the Hispanic community when it comes to an amnesty.
“I read that Enda Kenny was coming over to push for amnesty for some Irish. I don’t see how socially correct that is – that we can get looked after and members of the Hispanic community can’t. I’m just like one of those people trying to get over that wall, you know.”
He added: “I have to say some of the most racist people are the Irish and that’s being honest about it. I think a lot of Irish guys have forgotten that one time they were on the boots of the people they are now racist towards.”
Some Twitter comments about David’s insightful views on the documentary include:
“This carpenter from Tralee... is exceptional. Thoughtful, insightful and has a great sense of equality and social justice.”
“Powerful story from Tralee lad... the voice of thousands in the States!”
“I found the show frustrating initially, but the guy from Tralee is really talking sense. His self- awareness is very refreshing.”