‘Savour and enjoy money — don’t squander it...’

THE acclaimed master fiddler Frankie Gavin was born into a musical family in Galway about 60 years ago. He started playing the tin whistle at the age of four and has been delighting audiences with his fiddle playing since the age of ten.

Along with his own solo albums, Gavin has recorded numerous albums with De Dannan — the Irish folk music group set up in the early Seventies.

His new band, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, which was set up in 2009, has a number of gigs around the country next month, including in the Venue Theatre, Ratoath, Co Meath on August 12 and at St John’s Arts Centre, Listowel, Co Kerry on August 19. For more upcoming gigs, visit www. frankiegavinanddedannan.ie.

What is the most important lesson about money which your career has taught you? If or when you have money, appreciate, savour and enjoy it — but don’t squander it.

What’s your favourite song or tune about money? Money by Pink Floyd.

What’s your favourite Irish coin? The two euro coin as it’s the biggest, and the old IR£100 note — because I had one, one time! As a young lad I was asked, what would you do if you woke up and found two euro in your trouser pocket? I’d say, that’s not my trousers!

Are you better off than your parents? Well, my parents worked hard for every penny. Music is not work to me — it’s a joy to do something I love so much for a living. So I don’t call it work — but I still make a living from it. I’m a very lucky and happy man.

Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? A flute bought from a dear friend in Washington DC, David Shorey — who was working in the Smithsonian Institute at the time, and who had me in there to play their violin collection. Shorey, who passed away fairly recently, sold me a great Rudall and Rose patent engraved silver flute. I’m now happy to say that my dear friend Michael Flatley is today the proud owner of that flute.

What was your worst job? Cleaning toilets in a hotel when I was 13!!

What was your best financial killing? Playing with The Rolling Stones.

Do you use any moneysaving apps? No. I just pay as I go — in all aspects of life.

Android or iPhone? Android and iPad.

Do you know how much is in your current account? Feic all!

What was the biggest financial mistake you made in your career? Borrowing money on the strength of a signed contract which at the end of the day turned out to be useless.

Have you ever made an insurance claim? Years ago, someone ran into the back of my car at what seemed like full speed. He nearly broke my neck.

Have you ever switched utility provider? Yes for my phones — landline and mobile.

iTunes or Spotify? Neither

What was the last thing you bought online? A flight to Athens.

Do you have a mortgage? Is it fixed, variable or tracker? It’s a rough one that will never go away — or so it seems to me.

Would you buy Irish property now? No, I would not. The same old tricks are being played out again — just like they were before. All I can see is inflated house prices and people getting nervous about having to buy something “before it’s too late” — as the saying goes.

What I’d say is to just rent a place, like everyone else in the world, and get the panic out of your system for once and for all.

Cash or card? Both please!

Do you ever haggle? Not in Dunnes or Penneys! Vendors and or yard sales — absolutely. Apart from anything else, it’s great craic!!