Lady Luck also plays such a big part for Kiwi footballers trying to make it overseas. Especially if you are not an exceptional talent, trying to forge a path mostly on your own, without an EU passport. Bit different say for the Ole boys, with a large support network now up there.
Joel Stevens seemed to have very bad luck with his first stint in Sweden. At a 3rd tier club with a coach who didn't like him, player unrest the whole season, and ultimately finishing last & relegation. An unhappy time allround. Came back to NZ for a few years, then got opportunity to try Swedish 3rd tier again now with Varnamo, and it seems is going the complete opposite from his first time over there. Still only 25, he could end up having a nice football career in Scandy. Bad luck the first time, some karma 2nd time round.
Bill Tuiloma was ready to give up on his Euro dream, but Joey Barton who got to know of him at a QPR trial stint, somehow recommends him to OM (where Barton spent some time), and next minute Billy T is living in the South of France for a few years. Some story like that.
Not underselling what Kirwan is doing, but I guess a large dose of luck for him is that his famous dad went to Italy 30 odd years ago, and fell in love with a local bambina bella.