Paul Finnegan came into the world in November 1965 as a result of a strategic decision made by his parents, which would significantly shape his future two decades later. Born to an Irish engineer father, Paul was born in the United States as his father had timed his departure from his Arizona base to his new role as a university lecturer in Galway, Ireland, ensuring that Paul would be a U.S. citizen.
Upon completing his mechanical engineering degree from University College Galway in the mid-80s, Paul made the leap from Ireland to New York at a time when Ireland was grappling with a recession. He compares his move from Galway to New York as simply exchanging one cosmopolitan city for another, albeit with New York being an upscaling of the former’s metropolitan environment.
Paul easily adapted to life in New York, appreciating the myriad opportunities and diverse experiences that a big city offers. His career journey in New York has been diverse, spanning roles in the education sector, community service aimed at Irish immigrants, IT, and consultancy.
During his tenure as a teacher in a public school, Paul devoted more time to voluntary work targeted at assisting Irish immigrants, a passion that ultimately led to him taking up the role as Executive Director at the charity organisation, Emerald Isle Immigration Centre.
Paul firmly asserts that whilst being Irish might open doors to meetings, it takes more than nationality to succeed in business. As the Executive Director of the immigration centre, part of Paul’s role involved encouraging migrants to pursue further education opportunities within the U.S.
Paul takes immense satisfaction knowing that his work shaped and transformed the lives of many. He nostalgically recalls receiving a letter from a woman who thanked him for a career-oriented seminar he had organised two decades ago. She attributed her successful nursing career to the seminar, which had inspired her to pursue qualifications in nursing, as opposed to a potential life of precarious jobs.
After a long tenure in the IT industry, Finnegan resumed work in community development by taking up leadership at the New York Irish Centre in 2011. This centre, a vibrant cultural nexus of theatrical performances, music, dance, and classes for the Irish language, particularly focuses on catering to the needs of elder Irish residents in the city.
Finnegan acquired an in-depth understanding of the centre’s members, many of whom had migrated in the 1940s and beyond. While intelligent and skilled, these individuals did not always receive the right opportunities. However, they did create a robust foundation for later generations, thereby portraying the Irish as contributors to the city’s growth and indirectly aiding future immigrants.
Being of Irish descent, whilst beneficial, does not guarantee success, states Finnegan. An initial meeting may credit to one’s Irish identity, but the business must be earned through conformity and coherence with the American ethos.
Finnegan has expressed concern over the years about the elevated occurrence of mental health problems, self-harm, and suicide within parts of the expat community. Solace House is amongst the groups addressing this issue, an offshoot of a programme established by the founder of Pieta House, Joan Freeman.
Finnegan criticises America’s lack of a robust safety net, both economically or otherwise, leading to individuals often having to fend for themselves. This can lead some to alcohol abuse, with many hesitant to seek assistance when in dire straits.
However, Irish immigrants moving to New York today have several advantages over those of the past. They are generally more educated, can access information to get around the city on their mobile phones, do not have to migrate permanently and have options for relocating besides the US.
Despite these benefits, acquiring lawful residency is still a challenge. “Getting temporary visas is relatively straightforward, but staying for extended periods can be difficult. Many immigrants tend to fall for the city, and this can be hard if things don’t go as planned,” he explains.
Finnegan and his wife, Rosa, are established residents of Queens, where they have raised their two children. Although Finnegan does not plan on relocating back to Ireland, he appreciates periodic visits to reconnect with family in Galway.
In 2020, after a decade plus one year at the Irish Centre, he made a transition back into the private industry and now operates his personal business consulting firm, Shantalla, assisting Small and Medium Enterprises to identify their special place in the competitive market.
In addition to this, Finnegan has contributed significantly over time to the Irish Business Organization in New York, serving in the capacity of president. Furthermore, he is an ebullient participant in the celebrations held annually in New York in March for Ireland’s national day.
“It’s not just the Irish community’s holiday, St Patrick’s Day also belongs to the city, considering the involvement and enjoyment by all.” He added, “Even if there seems to be an abundance of stereotypes and cliches with the overuse of the shamrock and the blarney, it’s indeed a highly entertaining event. It just takes going with the flow initially, but ultimately even the uninitiated get immersed fully into the festivities.”