‘I once left an electricity company because they billed me for low usage’
DONEGAL actor Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh plays the part of John Joe Daly in TG4’s Irish-language drama, Ros na Rún. Mac Eachmharcaigh, who is from the Irish-speaking village of Rann na Feirste, has been acting with Ros na Rún for 15 years.
He started his acting career in theatre. He has also written a number of TV shows, including the award-winning comedy CU Burn — which he also directed.
The Ros na Rún Christmas omnibus will be broadcast on TG4 at 12.05pm on Christmas Day. This year marks Ros na Rún’s 21st Christmas. For more information, visit www.rosnarun.com.
What’s the most important lesson about money which your career in acting has taught you? It is always a feast or a famine. You have to make hay when the sun shines.
What’s your favourite Irish saying about money? There is no tow bar on a hearse.
What’s your favourite of the old Irish coins? It’s got to be the 1966 10-shilling piece with Pádraig Pearse’s head. I think it is one of the nicest coins ever minted.
Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? A crock of a car that cost a fortune to repair. It was an old VW Golf. Someone gave me advice one time that if you can afford an old car, you can afford a new one — it’s very true.
What was your worst job? Life assurance salesperson. It was such a thankless job. It was all about pressure and sales and meeting targets.
What was your biggest financial mistake? Buying the VW car I have just mentioned — and of course, Telecom Éireann shares.
What was your best financial killing? Picking up the pen and writing comedy.
Do you use any money-saving apps? No.
Do you have an Android or iPhone? Android.
Do you know how much is in your current account? I have a rough idea, but usually I’m afraid to look. Have you ever made an insurance claim? Yes — for a house fire 10 years ago.
Have you ever switched utility provider? Yes. I left an electricity company I was a customer with because at one stage, I got a bill from them for low usage — as I wasn’t using enough fuel!
Do you use iTunes or Spotify? No.
What was the last thing you bought online? Airline tickets for Berlin. I had never been there before so wanted to try it out for a city break.
Do you have a mortgage? No.
Would you buy Irish property now? No. There have been too many charges to pay on property this last four years — so I don’t think it would be worth it to buy property now.
Do you pay in cash or card? Both. I always pay for petrol with card because it’s easier to pay that way. Generally if something is more than €50, I’ll use the card — but if it’s less, I’ll use cash.
Do you ever haggle? Sure, I’m from Donegal — it’s in our nature!
Are you better off than your parents? Yes, because I’m alive and both my parents are dead. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha uasal.