ME AND MY MONEY:Tommy Walsh, hurler

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am more of a spender than a saver. I spend a lot of money on DVDs during the summer.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, but I usually end up buying off the person I like most.

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

A new suit. €300.

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

My parents bought me a hurling goalpost with a net when I was 10 and my brothers still use it at home even though we could do with a new net.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

No . It’s too far away.

Do you haggle over prices?

For certain items I do, yes. If you don’t ask . . .

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Yes. I am lucky to still have a job and I appreciate that. I try to save in case there is a rainy day.

Do you invest in shares?

I have invested in shares.

Cash or card?

Cash. It is much harder to give over €100 in cash than €100 off your card.

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

The Champ on DVD. Great value, great show.

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

No. I always spend it before I reach my goal.

Have you ever lost money?

I lost €100 on a horse who I was told couldn’t be bet. Never again.

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

I won £40 on a Grand National winner when I was in school. It was massive at the time. Some French horse.

Is money important to you?

It is important to have enough to pay the bills but a wise man once told me, “Don’t love money, it won’t love you back”, and I have stuck to that motto.

How much money do you have on you now?

€2.40.

Tommy Walsh plays at right wing back for Kilkenny. He is also a VHI GAA Cúl Camps ambassador. In less than two weeks, Kilkenny take on Tipperary in a repeat of last years All-Ireland hurling final, which Tipp won, upsetting the Cats dream of an historic five-in-a-row. Lest we be accused of nailing our (county) colours to the mast, we will feature a prominent player from the Tipperary team in this column next week.