All of my dad's family, his brothers and sisters, my nana and grandad and all of the cousins emigrated to Australia within two years of each other. Irish families are close at the best of times, but when you move to the other side of the world, we were like a big posse over there.

In this quote, Genevieve O'Reilly reflects on her family's experience of emigrating from Ireland to Australia. She shares how all of her dad's family, including his brothers, sisters, nana, grandad, and cousins, moved to Australia within a short span of two years. This collective migration illustrates the strong bond between her extended family and the shared decision to start anew in a different country. The close-knit nature of Irish families is further emphasized by their decision to stay together, creating a sense of community even in a foreign land.

O'Reilly highlights the deep closeness of Irish families, noting that they are already united in the best of times, but the shared experience of emigrating to the other side of the world intensified this bond. The distance from their homeland likely strengthened their reliance on one another, as they found comfort and support in their shared heritage and experiences. This situation led to a sense of being a "big posse", as they relied on each other more than ever in a new environment.

The idea of being a "big posse" reflects how migration can create a tightly-knit community out of necessity and emotional support. The shared experiences of adjusting to a new country, building new lives, and preserving their Irish roots brought them closer together. This unique bond among family members in a foreign land not only helped them navigate challenges but also reinforced their cultural identity and sense of belonging.

Ultimately, O'Reilly's quote speaks to the strength of family and how shared experiences, particularly migration, can deepen familial connections. It also highlights the importance of maintaining one's cultural ties and how these connections can act as a source of support and strength, especially when far from home.