Having already studied media for three years in the Coolock-based college, he decided to continue his studies to degree level by attending college for one additional year . . . a short progression that was not available in Ireland. And while many of his fellow Dhulaigh alumni have continued their studies in Wolverhampton, there was something about the course and the town in Preston that attracted Moloney.

"The university here seemed like a nice place, " he said. "The course in Wolverhampton is quite academic, but the one here is more practical, which suited me."

In order to secure a place at the University of Central Lancashire, Moloney had to go through what he described as "the wonderful puzzle of UCAS".

"We were never given any real tuition about the form, so I was really planted in at the deep end, and had to do it all myself, " he said. "But what was an advantage was the fact that you can change courses any number of times on-line, and UCAS constantly keeps you updated regarding your application. Still, it would be helpful if secondary schools told us how to go through the process."

Having been accepted on his course, there was then the issue of finding his feet in a foreign land.

"The lifestyle is very different from Ireland, " he said.

"It is more like an Ibiza culture, and British people seem to have a very different mentality to the Irish. It's like a clubland here . . . I thought that it was all fabricated on TV, but it's actually true. But, overall, Preston is quite small, and easy to get around, and I'll tell you one thing . . . the public transport system beats Ireland. You know exactly when the buses are coming, and you can take a train to Manchester in just 40 minutes."

In the past, there has been a notion that Irish people might not be particularly welcome in the UK, but this is not something that Moloney has found.

"There are so many cultures over here, and we're just in the mix, " he said. "But it is only since getting here that I have realised that I say "grand" so much."