I once worked as a ‘pirate’ for a rum company
THE comedian Kevin McGahern is well known for hosting the RTE comedy sketch show, Republic of Telly. McGahern, who is from Cavan, first began performing stand-up comedy in 2009 before joining the popular television series The Hardy Bucks on RTÉ 2.
As well as performing in top Irish comedy clubs such as Dublin’s International Bar, he has performed in a number of festivals including Galway Comedy Carnival, Forbidden Fruit and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
McGahern will be live in Whelan’s, Dublin on May 30 and in the Kilkenny Cats Festival on June 2 and 3 with his new show, The Boxty Monologues. For more information, visit thecatlaughs.com and whelanslive.com. What’s the most important lesson about money your career as a comedian has taught you? Never leave the venue without getting paid. What’s the most expensive country you ever visited? Dubai. That place is dripping with money. I paid about €40 for a BLT. Nearly had a heart attack. What’s your favourite Irish coin? I loved the old coins. There was something nice about having animals on your coins. It was something to look at when you were bored at school. Nice wee fish and bulls and horses and whatever the hell was on the 2p coin — a heron in a mangle I think. My favourite was the 1 punt coin — it had a lovely picture of a stag on it, plus it had a good weight to it when it hit the counter. Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? A fur sink. What was your worst job? I worked as a pirate for a popular rum company where I had to go to nightclubs and basically be Duffman from The Simpsons. Going round nightclubs taking photos with drunk young lads is no craic when you’re not in the mood. What was your biggest financial mistake? I bought a BLT in Dubai one time. What was your best financial killing? I used to hide the mayonnaise packets underneath my bread when I was getting lunch in the RTE canteen. How much did I save? Well, three years, one packet of mayonnaise per day, 50c a packet — you do the math! Are you better off than your parents? No. There’s not many in my generation that is. Your favourite song or tune about money? Gimme Some Money by Spinal Tap. It’s just a very funny song. Have you ever made an insurance claim? Nope iTunes or Spotify? Or are you more into CDs and records? Like all stupid hipsters, I love records. They don’t sound as good as a CD and you have to get up half way through to turn it over. Fantastic! What was the last thing you bought online? Second-hand clothes pegs. Would you buy Irish property now? Why? Oh God no. I’m waiting on the next recession. Do you ever haggle? I love haggling. I recently haggled a lad down to about €7 when buying bluetooth headphones in China. I was delighted with myself. I got home and realized they wouldn’t charge. He had the last laugh. What’s the best advice you ever got about money? “When everyone’s running, walk. And when everyone’s walking, run.” I got that advice from my grand-uncle Paddy Joe. You can decide for yourself what you think he meant by that. What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt? Films, Guinness and boxty.