I’m an Irishman who chose to move to northern England almost 6 years ago. Fortunately I came for professional reasons and now work in the NHS, which I love. Before moving I worried people would harbour resentment towards because of the IRA bombing campaigns. However my experience has been the opposite, people have stopped me on the tram to tell me they love my accent and often have some connections to Irishness. Yet I’m shocked and sometimes angry how ignorant people are of the complex history Ireland has with the UK. Here, Cromwell and Trevellyan are heroes or valued members of the history. In Irish culture they are in league with the devil. I love England in ways, and the diversity of cultures in Manchester- yet I still feel hurt for the oppressed people of my past, and others. It’s confusing but an opportunity to grow, heal and move on.

-Tom, Manchester