‘Hockey is not like soccer when it comes to money’

DAVID Harte is captain of the men’s Irish hockey team. Last summer, in Rio, they became the first Irish hockey side to play in an Olympic Games since 1908. As Harte plays professionally with the Dutch hockey club, SV Kampong, he spends most of the year in the Netherlands. He also plays professionally for Dabang Mumbai in India.

Harte, who is from Kinsale in Co Cork, started to play hockey at the age of 13 at Bandon Grammar School in Cork

A PE and biology teacher, he put his career in teaching on hold a few years ago to play hockey professionally.

This month, he will play with the men’s Irish hockey team in Belfast in the Hockey World League Round 2. What is the most important lesson about money your career as a hockey player has taught you? That hockey as a sport is not like soccer or rugby when it comes to money and contracts, so it’s important to have a qualification. What’s the most expensive place you have ever competed? The Greek island of Santorini. It’s a typical honeymoon destination with unbelievable views and scenery — which is why I think it’s so expensive. What’s your favourite coin? The Irish €2 coin. One reason I like it is because you can see the Irish harp on it.

I also like it because it reminds me of the old Irish punt and my childhood. Are you better off than your parents? No. Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? As I am playing hockey in the Netherlands for most the year, I have not had to look at buying property or a car in Ireland.

Flights to holiday destinations are the most expensive things I buy. I love to travel and explore new destinations when I’m not in training. What was your worst job? Doing summer camps for kids between the ages of four and 12.

It was a quick way to find out that secondary school teaching was the way forward for me. What was your biggest financial mistake? My girlfriend! What was your best financial killing? Going to India to compete in the Hockey India League.

Players put themselves forward into an auction where six Indian-based franchises bid for you if they are interested. I was picked and this allowed me to set up my own company in the Netherlands, David Harte Hockey, which has opened up other opportunities — both in and outside of hockey. Do you use any money-saving apps? No, I just use online banking apps. Android or iPhone? Android. I have had a small obsession with Samsung devices for many years now. Do you know how much is in your current account? Yes. I regularly check my balance on-line. Have you ever made an insurance claim? I have been fortunate enough not to have needed to made a claim. Have you ever switched utility provider? Yes. Having moved house in Utrecht where I live in the Netherlands, I had to shop around to find the most flexible provider for me — due to my nomadic circumstances.

I hope to see that, at the end of the 12-month contract, it has saved me some money. iTunes or Spotify? Neither. I use Deezer. What was the last thing you bought online? Extra legroom seats for long-haul flights. I am 6 ft 5. Cash or card? Card. Do you ever haggle? Always! Would you buy property now? I have often considered it but again, given my lifestyle and floating between Ireland and the Netherlands, it is next to impossible to guess where I may end up.