The Returners Series | Tessa and Declan Breslin
For Tessa and Declan Breslin, the decision to return to Northern Ireland after decades abroad wasn’t just about geography, it was about belonging.
Originally from Derry~Londonderry, their journey together took them from student life in Northern Ireland to professional careers in London and then to the fast-paced world of Manhattan. Declan’s career in finance saw him working with Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers during the financial crisis, and later Nomura, which brought them to New York in 2009. Tessa, meanwhile, built a career advising leaders of FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, gaining global insights she now brings back to organisations at home.
Their years in London was a time of building friendships, experiencing multicultural life, and laying the foundations of their careers. New York, however, was a different kind of adventure. Living in Union Square, they embraced the energy of the city, working hard and enjoying everything it had to offer before starting a family. Their three children - Charlie, Katie, and Lucia - were all born in New York, each with their own little American accents when the family eventually moved back.
The decision to return to Northern Ireland was driven by a desire for a different kind of life. “Did we want to retire in Manhattan?” Declan asked. “The likelihood was no.” With the Good Friday Agreement marking 25 years of progress, the Breslins saw an opportunity to contribute to a growing, evolving Northern Ireland. Within weeks of arriving in summer 2022, they had found a home and schools for their children in Holywood, County Down.
Now, they’re not just back…they’re invested. Tessa brings her global leadership expertise to local organisations, helping them reach world-class standards. Declan sees their return as a full-circle moment.
There is something outside of Northern Ireland, that you can blossom outside of it, you can achieve everything that you want, and you can come home.
Their story is a powerful reminder that home isn’t just where you start…it’s where you choose to return, bringing with you everything you’ve learned along the way.
Interested in learning more about returners like Tessa & Declan?
Explore more inspiring stories in our Returners Series or connect with us to start your own journey home.
