‘The Galway Races is the ruination of me every year’

DOIREANN Ní Ghlacáin is a presenter with TG4 — as well as a musician and Sean-nós singer. Originally from Clontarf in Dublin, she is now living in Galway.

She has presented a number of music programmes for TG4. She will present TG4’s Gradam Ceoil award ceremony in Belfast next Sunday February 17. Gradam Ceoil will be broadcast at 9.30pm live on TG4 that day. For more information, visit gradam.ie What’s the most important lesson about money which your career in broadcasting and music has taught you? Be cheeky enough to always ask for more than you’re offered — as employers usually lowball you. What’s the best advice you ever got about money? There’s no trailer hitch on a hearse — in other words, you can’t take it with you when you die. What’s your favourite Irish saying about money? Is fearr cara sa chúirt ná punt sa sparán. This saying means that it’s better to have a friend in court than money in your purse. What’s the most expensive country you ever visited? I’ve travelled to a lot of expensive places like New York, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. I wasn’t living in the lap of luxury over there though. It can be just as expensive at home here in Ireland as it is in expensive places abroad. I went for breakfast in Galway and ended up spending €20 — I’ve probably never treated myself to a breakfast for €20 in expensive foreign cities. What’s your favourite Irish coin? The old punt coin with the stag on it. It brings back fond memories of being able to buy myself a few treats after mass on Sunday. What’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? I recently spent €100 on a SAD alarm clock [also known as sunrise alarm clocks] — that’s the most expensive thing I’ve bought in the last few weeks. What was your worst job? I’ve had a few very bad jobs. When I first started my postgrad, I worked for about five weeks in a chip van. I didn’t last very long. What was your biggest financial mistake? Bringing my bank card with me on a night out. Also, the Galway Races every year is the ruination of me. Are you better off than your parents? My parents are healthy and happy and my dad has recently retired. If I can be half as happy and healthy by the time I reach middle age, I’ll be doing well. If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money? I’d buy a home in Dublin as a Euromillions win is the only way I’d ever be able to afford one. I’d probably get rid of the rest of the money. I don’t think that kind of money would suit me as I’d lose the run of myself. iTunes or Spotify? Spotify. What was the last thing you bought online? The SAD alarm clock! Would you buy property now? In an ideal world, I’d love that but I can’t see myself being in a position to buy property for at least 10 years. Do you ever haggle? I come from a long line of chancers (that is, my siblings) so I’m well able to haggle. I was in China during the summer and I got great value out of all the cheap handbags. What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt? My Parnell pass. My car. Food.