MONEY TALKS DAITHI Ó SÉ
THE well-known Kerryman and TV presenter, Daithí Ó Sé, was born in Feothanach — which is a few miles from Dingle. The second youngest of five children, his career in broadcasting started in 1999 when he started working part-time with TG4 while also working as a teacher. However by 2001, the showbiz bug had bitten, and he was working full-time with TG4.
In the late Noughties, he appeared in a number of RTE television shows including Celebrities Go Wild. He has been hosting the Rose of Tralee festival on RTE since May 2010. In the autumn of 2010, Ó Sé left his position at TG4 to make the permanent move to RTE One. He has co-presented the afternoon show Today on RTE One since 2012.
In his early career, he held down a number of interesting jobs — including a butcher, a bouncer, and a ferry driver around the Blasket Islands.
He is married to Rita Talty — herself a former Rose — and they have a two-and-ahalf-year-old son.
This year’s Rose of Tralee competition, which will be hosted by Ó’Sé, airs on RTE One tomorrow and Tuesday night. What is the most important lesson about money which your career in broadcasting has taught you? Think twice when you’re giving up a full-time job! What’s the most expensive thing about being a parent? I’ve a two-and-a-half year old and I’m already planning how to pay for him to go to college! Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Probably a car — but I did spend US$400 on a pair of cowboy boots a long time ago and I still have them. (Rita has hidden them on many an occasion). What was your worst job? I worked for a while as a doorman in a Chicago nightclub back when I was 18. But dealing with a lot of drunken people didn’t really suit me. What was your biggest financial mistake? Apparently a US$400 pair of cowboy boots! What was your best financial killing? The same pair of cowboy boots Rita! Do you use any money saving apps? No. Do you have an Android or iPhone? Android Have you ever made an insurance claim? No, never. Have you ever switched utility provider? All the time. Do you use iTunes or Spotify? I use a Walkman! Only joking — iTunes. What was the last thing you bought online? A Jon Cryer autobiography. Would you buy Irish property now? I would. Do you have a mortgage? Is it fixed, variable or tracker? Variable — and I find that I seem to dislike people with trackers! Do you pay in cash or card? Both. Do you know how much is in your current account? A Garda wouldn’t ask you that! Do you ever haggle? Always. I love it and it makes me happy. Are you better off than your parents? Financially maybe — but time-wise, no way!
‘I’m already planning how to pay for my two-year-old to go to college.’