the Arriving and Leaving of Liverpool: Struggle, Identity, Growth, Courage to Build a New Life

The Arriving and Leaving of Liverpool tells the inspiring journey of a man respected across both the international development community and the football world-a man who has left a lasting legacy throughout Asia and the Pacific. Rich in anecdotes and forthright views, interspersed with the odd bit of humour, this compelling story starts with a life of nomadic existence steeped in poverty. Ties to Ireland run deep through his immediate family, carrying astonishing claims that helped shape the city of Dublin itself. The story moves through the forging of character in the tough, vibrant streets of Liverpool: a real-world education, unexpected friendships with two of Europe's most notorious crime figures, the chance meeting of his soulmate in the city's nightclubs, and the ever-present barrier of Britain's rigid class system. This book is a call to rise above inequality-to seize one's own destiny through informed choices and determined action. Terry's journey eventually carried him to the far side of the world, first as a professional footballer and later as a new arrival enchanted by a land of opportunity, harmony, and freedom: New Zealand. A series of bold decisions then led to six transformative years in Vanuatu, earning him a Vanuatu Medal of Honour and even a feature on a set of national postage stamps-how cool is that? Driven by an intense desire for self-improvement, he pursued professional and academic advancement that culminated in senior government advisory roles. From there, he stepped onto the global stage as an international development consultant with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations, IMF, and numerous bilateral agencies-helping improve the lives of millions across Asia and the Pacific. Woven throughout the book is a thoughtful examination of colonialism-its lingering shadow across Asia and the Pacific, and its quiet but powerful presence in the lives of the people Terry worked alongside. Through firsthand encounters in places once shaped, and in many ways distorted, by external control, the narrative reveals how colonial systems left behind deep structural inequities, fragile institutions, and communities still navigating the legacies of imposed authority. Yet it also uncovers remarkable resilience, cultural strength, and ingenuity. These insights form one of the book's most compelling threads: an honest acknowledgement that development work is never neutral, and that genuine progress requires humility, historical awareness, and a willingness to listen to the voices of those whose lands and futures were shaped by forces far beyond their choosing.Threaded through it all is a fascinating football career that served as both foundation and catalyst for much of his success.The Arriving and Leaving of Liverpool is revealing, endlessly engaging, and, above all, deeply inspirational.