‘There’s always a great buzz in getting a really good bargain on something’

John O Connell is executive director of the Waterford Walls Festival, which celebrates street art as a crucial element of urban regeneration. It takes place in Waterford from Friday, August 11th to Sunday, August 20th. www.wallsproject.ie

Are you a saver or a spender?

As much as I would love to be able to say ‘saver’, I’m afraid it’s spender all the way. Having worked hard for your money, you tend to want to enjoy it. That said, with two kids at home rapidly approaching college age, that might be about to change.

Do you shop around for better value?

Sewage crisis: why this UK election is being fought on – and in – rivers and lakes

---

Hubristic Woodford was the orchestrator of his own downfall

---

Despite what people may think, taxes in Ireland are low compared to Europe

---

China’s view of the world puts Ireland between a rock and a hard place

---

Yes, I’m constantly looking for the best deal, both in my work life and at home. There’s always a great buzz in getting a really good bargain on something.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

I’m not normally one for big extravagances, but I really love to spend on art. A recent purchase was a beautiful piece from the fantastic Mayo-based oil painter Daire Lynch.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

We managed to buy our house at a good time and got it for a good price. I don’t think we could afford the same house in today’s market. Your home and your family – those things are priceless.

[ Here's how to make a city graffiti-proof ]

How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

Like a lot of people, I really got to grips with the convenience of online shopping during Covid, but at the same time kept the trips to the shops a regular thing, both to support local businesses and just for a reason to get out of the house on those long lockdown days.

The Irish economy has grown rapidly in recent years, how long can it continue?

Listen | 36:18

Do you haggle over prices?

I love a good haggle when the setting is right, but I don’t think you’d be too popular trying to haggle over a sausage roll in Centra in the morning.

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

With all of the restaurants being closed for so long, my family and I got into the habit of having food delivered from some of our favourite places in Waterford – like Loko and Espresso – and replicating the dining out experience at home. That’s something we’ve tried to keep up even as everything has gone back to normal.

Do you invest in shares?

I don’t, probably because years of self-employment have made me quite risk-averse – although sometimes I wonder where I’d be now if I’d acted on those cryptocurrency tips people gave me back in the early days.

Cash or card?

Card all the way! In fact, nearly always the wallet on my phone rather than physical cards. It’s very rare that I would ever carry cash these days.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I bought a bottle of Writers’ Tears whiskey for my dad for Father’s Day. It came in a set with a cool little hip flask, so yes, good value, for sure!

[ Waterford Walls: graffiti artists paint the city out of a corner ]

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

We saved really hard to replace our family car last year. Despite my inclination to be a spender rather than a saver, it’s amazing how you can do it when you have to apply yourself.

Have you ever lost money?

Never. Quite the opposite, in fact, as I have always had an uncanny knack for finding money in all kinds of places: on the street, in a field, and once even floating in a river.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I’ve never been a gambler or had that urge to have a flutter. On the rare occasions I have made a bet I have invariably, without fail, lost.

[ Waterford city building a decarbonisation zone for others to follow ]

Is money important to you?

I think it has to be. Not truly important like the things that really matter such as family, health and happiness, but money is what makes everything possible and gives you opportunities in life.

How much money do you have on you now?

I’m completely cashless!

in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea