‘There’s no guarantee of a solid salary in my line of work’
COMEDIAN Rory O’Connor, from Ashbourne in Co Meath, is well-known for his social media comedy sketches ‘Rory’s Stories’.
His debut theatre tour sold out earlier this year and he is now coming to the end of his nationwide tour, ‘What’s The Story Rory’. As part of that tour, he will be at St Enda’s GAA club in Omagh on November 9. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.
What’s the most important lesson about money which your career as a comedian taught you?
Prepare for a rainy day. There’s no guarantee of a solid salary or income in my line of work. When things are going well, you have to put aside some money, just in case you go through a quiet period — like after a tour.
What’s the most expensive country you have ever visited?
I did a show in Dubai about three years ago, after which I was very excited to relax and have a few pints with friends. I sat down and ordered a pint — and ended up getting charged €14 for a Peroni. I decided I’d stay sober that night!
The best advice you ever got about money?
Be generous with it, as you can’t take it to the grave with you. My father gave me this advice. I believe in good karma. I try to help others and to be generous as much as possible, especially when it comes to tipping, or donating money to the homeless.
What’s your favourite Irish coin?
It would have to be the €2 coin. I feel like you can get a lot from a simple €2. For €2, you can get a burger and chips from McDonald’s!
Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
I spent €14,000 on a Toyota Avensis three years ago — good car to be fair, but it was a lot of money.
What was your worst job?
Working in a call centre for €10 an hour. I was ringing the Irish public for their overdue electricity bills in the middle of a recession — that was horrific.
What was your biggest financial mistake?
A really expensive watch that I got as a Christmas present. I had it for about a week in total. I was on a plane to Thailand and took it off as it was itching my wrist, and I left it on the seat next to me while I slept. I woke up just as the plane was landing and grabbed my bag in a rush. Driving in the car to the hotel, someone asked me for the time. I looked at my wrist and realised my watch was on the seat on the plane. Still annoys me thinking about it.
Are you better off than your parents?
Very doubtful — the old-school Irish generation are a lot cuter with their money than our generation. I’m working hard on my career to make sure that I’ll be OK in years to come and maybe even more welloff than them! But money doesn’t buy happiness.
It’s most important to just work to be happy and financially stable.
If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?
Buy a whopper house for my family and spread the wealth around. I’d want to help others if I was ever that fortunate. I’d donate to different charities that need it, especially around mental health in Ireland.
What was the last thing you bought online?
A charger for a Fitbit — I got one for Christmas, although I never used it.
Would you buy Irish property now?
Yes, as I’m hoping to buy my own house soon.
Are you a spender or a saver?
A bit of both. When I’m on my holidays or on a night out, I go all out and enjoy myself. I’m generally careful with my spending, though — I don’t believe in throwing money away.
Do you ever haggle?
I haggle for the craic rather than for the sake of money. I once got four pairs of sunglasses for €5 in Spain — an unbelievable bargain haggled down.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?
Going to the gym — exercise is very important to me, my mental health and my motivation. A weekly takeaway — I’d struggle if my local Chinese was ever taken away. And the odd game of golf.