The Shape I'm In: Brian O'Donovan, RTÉ Washington Correspondent

When the drive to go west hit Europe in the 19th century, it was not uncommon for fathers to cross the ocean ahead of their wives and children in search of work and a place to live.

Two centuries later, RTÉ’s new Washington correspondent Brian O’Donovan has undertaken a similar journey, although the circumstances couldn’t be more different.

His wife Joanna, a primary school teacher, and their two young daughters are staying in Ireland to finish out the school year and will head west in July.