Ireland's expats reflect on Christmas at home and abroad

Within the last decade alone, tens of thousands of young Irish people have packed their bags for shores unknown.

For many, this was an effort to improve their job prospects. Others merely wanted the thrill of adventure. Regardless of their reasons for leaving, research suggests most would like to return home for Christmas. Only half will actually be able to.

One person who will be spending the holiday season on foreign soil is 29-year- old Eoghan O’Donogue from Kildare. A qualified doctor, Eoghan moved to a place called Whangarei in New Zealand earlier this year.