‘I never regretted my expensive pale pink convertible’

MAIRÉAD Ní Chuaig, a native of Connemara, is a weather woman and presenter on TG4. She will be one of the presenters of this year’s FleadhTV — which will have live coverage of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann — from August 18 to 20. See www.fleadhcheoil.ie/fleadhtv for more details. What’s the most important lesson about money which your career in broadcasting has taught you? I’ve never been motivated by money. I feel very fortunate that I can make a living in Ireland. I have the career that I wanted and it’s a blessing. I have many friends and family that have emigrated for work. What’s the most expensive country you ever visited? The USA. New York is my favourite city. My boyfriend and I visited it last Christmas. It is a magical place at that time of the year. It can be difficult to find affordable accommodation in a good location and the cost of food and drink is high. Add city tax and tips and the dollars run out pretty quickly. But you can always make money — you can’t always make memories. What’s your favourite Irish coin? Bonn puint! (The old punt coin). What’s your favourite saying about money? ‘Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing’ by Oscar Wilde. The saying is particularly relevant to the Ireland of today. Sadly, at times society places more importance on common values perpetuated by reality TV, materialism, and an idealisation of a glossy “instagrammed” lifestyle. Our core values (health, love, and good friendships) are priceless. What’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? My pale pink convertible Nissan Figaro, which I fell in love with a couple of years ago. It was expensive, but I never regretted it. It had leather seats and drove like a dream, but the ongoing costs were high. What was your worst job? I worked in Dublin Airport many moons ago. I am an aviation enthusiast but the 4am starts and manic days became too much. It was a permanent job at the time but I knew in my heart it wasn’t for me. Android or iPhone? I love my iPhone. It was my first smartphone and I’ve stuck with it. It’s user-friendly, though I must admit the Samsung camera is far superior. Have you ever switched utility provider? I have switched providers over the years and made some savings. iTunes or Spotify? I still have my CDs but I love Spotify when I am out running on the Salthill Prom in Galway. What was the last thing you bought online? A vintage dress. I love fashion and I love shopping in local boutiques here in Galway like Fusion Fashion, Tí Standún and Ellie & Dal. I have also bought beautiful vintage pieces while travelling. I found gorgeous dresses in Morocco, a hat in San Francisco and leather boots in Italy. I like that they remind me of great trips. Do you ever haggle? I love shopping at markets and vintage shops when I travel. In certain countries, like Morocco, sellers are disappointed if you don’t. If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money? A villa in Tuscany. I love everything about Italy — its food, people, culture, wine and weather. I also love Italian cinema and the Italians’ love of life. My boyfriend and I will visit Positano later this summer. I can’t wait. If you could design your own euro note, whose face would you put on it? Constance Markievicz. She made a huge impact on Irish politics and history. What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt? Coffee, chocolate and Penneys.