ME AND MY MONEY: NIALL ROCHFORD,general manager, Ashford Castle
Are you a saver or a spender?Right now I am a saver. I am consciously saving more of my money now than I have for a number of years. There may be a lot of rainy days ahead.
Do you shop around for better value? I always shop around for value but quality comes a close second. The cheapest purchase is not always the best value, especially when purchasing services such as hotel stays or meals out.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost? The house I am living in. We bought it in 2007 and renovated it completely.
What did it cost then and what is it worth now?Well, let's just say I won't be moving any time soon.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?A painting of my three children, Zoe, James and Niall, by local artist Rick Lewis. Value is not just about the cost of an item, it can be more intangible than that. In this case, it is something we will have and cherish forever.
Have you ever crossed the border to shop?No. I believe strongly in supporting the local community and enterprises.
Do you haggle over prices?Always. It is something the Irish are not very good at but, with our current economic climate, it seems everyone is looking for the best deal possible, just so people feel they are getting a deal and won't feel guilty for purchasing an expensive gift or a weekend away.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?It certainly has. My wife Stella, however, believes "the more you spend the more you save". But this is changing slowly.
Do you invest in shares?I haven't recently. Thank God.
Cash or card?Both, depending on the cost and the occasion.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I have just invested in a greyhound, with my father and brother. Only time, and a good trainer, will tell if it is good value or not.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?My first car will always stand out as an example of saving successfully for what was then a big purchase, especially as I was earning £65 a week at the time. I remember feeling a huge sense of accomplishment.
Have you ever lost money?I bought a share in a racehorse a few years ago. I watched it finish last in its first race on an extremely wet day in Roscommon. It was the beginning, and end, of a wonderful relationship with racehorse ownership.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I recently visited Las Vegas and put $20 (€15) in a slot machine. I won $120.20c and cashed my winnings. That's the nearest I have come to winning big in Vegas.
Is money important to you?Yes, in so far as it pays the bills. But I am certainly not a slave to it.
How much money do you have on you now?Honestly? Nothing.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
