‘The coronavirus crisis has taught me how fragile things are for local businesses’

NOVELIST and scholar Eibhear Walshe is the author of The Trumpet Shall Sound — which has been longlisted for this year’s Dublin Literary Awards. The book tells the story of Georg Handel’s time in Dublin for the first performance of the Messiah.

Born in Waterford, Walshe studied in Dublin and now lives in Cork, where he lectures in University College Cork, as well as being the director of creative writing there.

Walshe is the author of many books — including The Last Day at Bowen’s Court, which was published last year.

The shortlist for the Dublin Literary Awards (dublinliteraryaward.ie) will be announced on March 25 — with the winner announced in May.

What’s the best advice you ever got about money?

To enjoy it. I studied for my Twenties and so I had very little money during those years. I remember after one summer of working, I had the chance to go travelling. I was wondering whether I should spend the money I had earned over the summer to go travelling. My parents told me to go — that having worked for, and saved up, the money, I should use it to travel and to do things I enjoy. So I went inter-railing for the summer. I’m always sure now to use my money to do things I enjoy — like travelling (when I can) or buying books.

The most expensive country you ever visited?

Switzerland. I was staying in Germany and I walked over the border to Switzerland and had a bit of lunch. Even a small lunch in Switzerland was very expensive. Germany on the other hand is a country that you can get great value for money in.

What has the coronavirus crisis taught you about money?

The most important thing it has taught me is how fragile things are for local businesses. I’ve learned how important it is to support local shops, bookstores, businesses and takeaway shops. I’ve been ordering online from bookstores over the year — including from Waterstones in Cork and the Gutter Bookshop in Dublin.

What’s your favourite Irish coin?

I love the old halfpenny with the pig on it.

Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

I paid for three nights in a really expensive hotel in Rome. It cost over €1,000 a night to stay there — and that didn’t even include breakfast! I stayed there as I was writing a novel based on an author’s time there. A cup of tea — along with macaroons and beautiful biscuits — cost €18 in that hotel. .

What was your worst job?

This wasn’t my worst job — but everyone would think it would be. When I was a teenager, I worked in an abattoir which my granny owned. I was very happy there.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I don’t think I have one. I bought a house just before the 2008 bust — and it went down in value [during the downturn]. However, it has come back in value since and I’m still living in it.

What was your best financial killing?

I won a residency in Paris — as part of a writing fellowship.

Are you better off than your parents?

Yes — as salaries have improved since their days.

If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?

I’d buy the James Joyce house at Usher’s Island in Dublin and I’d fund a writer’s residency for writers to come to from all over Ireland and the world.

What was the last thing you bought online?

A book from New Island books.

Would you buy Irish property now?

No — I have one house and that’s enough.

Do you ever haggle?

I never haggle — and so I don’t get good deals.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

Books. Travel. Fruit.