Supporting communities Through Travel with Christina Moloughney
In a recent conversation on The Celtic Way Podcast, https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ga60J5ktBTrd03C39QLI2
Christina Moloughney, co-founder and director of Emerald Travel, reflected on how music, travel, and community have shaped both her personal and professional journey. Drawing on decades of experience in the travel industry, Christina shared stories about supporting the Irish community, performing at major cultural events, and helping stranded travelers return home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Music Opened Doors to Community
Christina shared that her love of singing began after hearing Fields of Athenry. Since then, music has become an important part of her life.
She has performed the Irish national anthem at many Irish community events, including a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Although she still feels nervous before every performance, she says singing has allowed her to meet people and become more involved in the Irish community.
For Christina, performing has never been about making money. Instead, it has been a way to contribute to the community and celebrate Irish culture.
Image source: The celtic way
Supporting People During COVID-19
Christina also reflected on the challenges of working in the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Australia's borders closed, she expected the disruption to last only a short time. Instead, she spent many months helping stranded travellers organise flights home.
Working closely with the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and airline contacts, Christina helped many people find available flights during a period when travel was extremely difficult.
She also shared the story of helping a family travel urgently after their son had been seriously injured in Sydney. By working quickly with airline contacts, she was able to secure seats so the family could reach him as soon as possible.
Finding Strength Through Crisis
Looking back, Christina said the pandemic changed both her business and herself.
She explained that it was during this time that she "found her voice" and became more confident when helping people.
Performing the Irish National Anthem
Although Christina has performed at many community events, she admitted that she still feels nervous before singing the Irish national anthem.
She explained that performing a national anthem is different because the audience knows every word, making every performance feel important.
Christina also shared that she once forgot a line while singing but accepted that mistakes happen.
One of her favorite memories was performing while former Irish President Mary McAleese was attending the event. After Christina finished singing, Mary McAleese smiled and gave her a thumbs-up, a moment Christina still remembers today.
Image credit: “Mary McAleese Visit,” via Loyola University Chicago.
Helping People Through Travel
Throughout the conversation, Christina returned to the importance of helping people.
Whether she was singing at community events or helping families during difficult moments, she described how her work has allowed her to support others and stay connected with the Irish community.
Her experiences show how travel can become more than simply organizing flights. It can also be a way of helping people when they need support the most.
If Christina’s story has inspired you to reconnect with your own Irish heritage, The Celtic Way's Irish Heritage Journeys offer the opportunity to experience Ireland through its people, places, history, and culture. Explore our upcoming journeys and discover where your own Irish story could take you.
Want to hear more first? Listen to the full conversation on the Irish Voices podcast on Spotify