Concert pianist Fiachra Garvey is a member of the international jury for the 2026 Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year Competition. The finals take place on Saturday, October 10th.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I have fond memories of performing at a festival in Spoleto, Italy, in 2016 and spending the entire fee on a supermarket sweep-style shopping spree in an outlet mall outside Florence. Now, at the ripe old age of 39, I think I’m a bit more responsible with the saving versus spending ratio.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
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On the piano side, it was probably the Late Late Toy Show in 2000, performing a waltz by Chopin. I was 13, and I was paid £100.
Do you shop around for better value?
I actually do. I recently switched my broadband and electricity provider. With the latter’s very affordable night rate, I time all my household appliances to come on between midnight and 7:30am. Before people reading this think my neighbours must hate me, there is a silent setting on them.
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
Probably my little flat in London which I bought in 2023. I bought it for £189,000 and spent around £45,000-£50,000 renovating it. I’m not sure it counts as extravagant when it’s my only home, but it’s certainly the biggest financial noose around my neck. Every month I enjoy that I own a little bit more of it and that I’m no longer paying a landlord.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
In 2007, at the age of 19, I bought my first and only car to date, a VW Polo. She was three years old at the time (a 2004 model) and is now 22 years old. She has been to every corner of Ireland, and from Cornwall to London to Edinburgh. As we say, she owes me nothing.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
My flat is on the third and top floor of the building I live in. I jokingly call it ‘the penthouse’ as there’s no one above me, other than the pigeon population of Chiswick. Despite my relatively long arms, I can’t quite stretch around to wash the outside of the windows, so I bought what was advertised online as a magnetic window cleaning solution. It turns out the magnets don’t work through double-glazed windows.
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Do you haggle over prices?
I did when I was in Morocco. I learned from the locals that, as a tourist, I should essentially halve the quoted price and start bargaining from there. I was fleeced for the first two or three days.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
No. My parents had their small amount of savings go down the Swanee when they took the government’s advice at the time to invest in Eircom shares, so I steer clear of all of that.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I finally started a pension two years ago. As a self-employed person, the fear of being completely destitute when I’m older finally got to me. For the amount I’m putting in each month, I’ll probably have to play piano until I physically collapse off the stool.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
The last amount of money to leave my account was to pay the M50 toll yesterday. It’s terrible value for money. The last personal item I bought was a new pair of hiking boots. Considering my last pair served me for about 10 years, I’m confident that these too will be considered value for money.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
The deposit for my flat was the largest savings target I’ve had to date.
Have you ever lost money?
We’ve all lost a wallet here, or had a €20 fly out of our pocket there.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I’m not a gambler. I do the lotto now and then and am genuinely shocked and dismayed when I don’t win.
What is your best habit when it comes to money?
Most of my good habits regarding money are invested in raising funds for the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival. The festival receives about 30-35 per cent of our running costs from the Arts Council and Wicklow Arts Office, and I have to raise the other 65-70 per cent myself.
If any wealthy people are reading this and want to support a wonderful charity, please do get in touch.
I’ve completely nipped my worst habit in the bud in that I used to spend a fair amount of money on takeaway coffee.
How much money do you have on you now?
I’ve just come back from walking my lovely rough collie dogs, Luas and Bláithín, so I’ve no money in my pocket, but I have a few doggy treats to get them back on the lead!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
