Newcastle Roots, Texan Heights
Step into the vibrant world of Colin Keane, a proud Newcastle native, whose journey from the heart of Northern Ireland to becoming Vice President at McCourt Equipment Inc. in Texas is nothing short of inspiring.
It was his academic pursuits that truly laid the foundation for his globe-trotting career - armed with a Bachelor of Science degree from Queens University Belfast and additional studies in leadership at Miami's St. Thomas University and The University of Texas at Austin, Colin crafted a story of perseverance, education, and ambition.
Growing up in Northern Ireland, his parent’s work ethic, education and sport were some of the key influences that shaped Colin’s aspirations.
“The 1990’s were my teenage years but looking back, this decade in Northern Ireland was particularly difficult for a young mind to absorb and process all the horrific events surrounding the political troubles at this time. Looking back now, I believe this period of conflict and societal challenges in the north of Ireland helped shaped my psychological resilience, adaptability, empathy and ability to embrace challenges.
A pivotal twist in Colin's journey was joining the Explorers Programme, an initiative that jump-started his post-graduate career. Matched with Viper International for a six-month placement in Atlanta, Georgia, Colin’s expertise quickly stood out. From there, Texas came calling, and with a leap of faith (and a visa sponsorship from McCourt Equipment), Colin embarked on what would become a lifelong chapter in the Lone Star State. Joining the company as its ninth employee, Colin has witnessed its incredible growth to over 180 employees with a sprawling presence across the southern United States.
With pride, Colin recounts his career evolution at McCourt Equipment, from Systems Analyst to Vice President. Yet, amidst all the accolades - including the prestigious Explorer of the Year award - his proudest moments remain deeply personal: marrying Nicki, his Texan wife, and welcoming their daughter Vivien, who serendipitously shares a birthday with the day Colin became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Texas life hasn't erased Colin's connection to his Northern Irish roots. Gaelic games remain a passion, from captaining the Austin Celtic Cowboys to North American championship victory to enjoying his daughter’s Irish dancing classes in Austin. And when it’s time for a taste of home, he savours a well-poured pint of Guinness at Kelly's Irish Pub, owned by a fellow Fermanagh native.
“I have also enjoyed visiting with visitors of Irish influence in Texas over the years that has included the likes of Annie Mac, Gary Lightbody, Cormac Neeson & The Answer Band, Iain Henderson, the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley, George Mitchell, Pierce Brosnan and Niall Horan to name a few!”
Beyond the personal achievements, Colin offers invaluable advice to young Northern Irish professionals yearning for global success. “Identify companies in Northern Ireland conducting business internationally,” he urges. He highlights export programs like those from Invest Northern Ireland as a bridge to global opportunities. “Relationships matter - keep lines of communication open,” Colin emphasises, wisdom undoubtedly rooted in his Northern Irish upbringing.
Staying connected to his Northern Irish roots is a non-negotiable for Colin. “I visit with my family several times a week whether on a simple phone call or a WhatsApp message. Every Sunday morning, my daughter in Texas and my mother in County Down connect via video link. I also follow multiple community, news and sporting clubs’ social media pages and I’m a member of several business and community groups with ties to N. Ireland.”
When nostalgia hits, it’s the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest, and ‘the craic’ that Colin misses.
But if he could bring one piece of Northern Ireland to Texas, it’s none other than the iconic Royal County Down Golf Course!
I also miss the physical embrace of family and the natural tendency amongst people from Northern Ireland to embrace humour while chatting. Northern Irish people have a genuine friendliness, warmth and kindness you don’t get everywhere else.”
Colin Keane’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and seizing opportunity. As Colin so aptly demonstrates, the warmth of Northern Ireland never truly leaves - it simply finds new ways to shine, even under the Texan sun!
