PJ Gallagher is one of Ireland’s best-loved comedians. Also a writer, broadcaster and actor, he lives in Clontarf in Dublin. He is currently hosting the DIY TV show The Big DIY Challenge, which has its finale on RTÉ One at 8:30pm this Thursday. He also co-hosts Radio Nova's Morning Glory breakfast show with Jim McCabe on weekdays between 6am and 10am.
What's the most important lesson about money which your career in comedy has taught you?
That money is very hard to come by. You have to put a lot of work in to earn a living. When you start off in comedy, you can be doing it for years before you make any money. Mind you, it’s not all about the money with comedy – but money is valuable.
What has the coronavirus crisis taught you about money?
It has taught me that I'm lucky to be earning regularly. All through the crisis, I was still able to go into work. However, I have done gigs in the past with people who haven't work since March 2020.
What's the best advice you ever got about money?
Don't buy anything you can't afford – and save before you spend. That advice has saved my skin on so many occasions. My mum gave me that advice. She's the brains of the family.
What's the most expensive place you ever visited?
London. Everything in London seems to cost £100 – whether it's your taxi, your train ticket or your meal.
Your favourite Irish coin or note?
The old millenium 50p. I loved the old fivers and old IR£20 notes too. They were so big — you felt like you had a million pounds when you had one.
What’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
My first motorbike – a Honda Fireblade 954. I saved up for that and I spent IR£13,000 on it – when I was potentially unemployed. It's the best money I ever spent. I made a living on it for a while, as a courier. I still have it.
What was your worst job?
I've had loads of terrible jobs. One of the worst jobs I had was working for an air conditioning company where I used to dress up in a space suit. The people I worked with were lovely, but I didn't know how to do the job.
Your biggest financial mistake?
Starting a pension too early. I would have a house now if I saved for a deposit instead of putting money into a pension. I robbed myself – to pay a fellow who might not be around in 25 years!
What was your best financial killing?
Back in the early days of DVDs, I was signed up to do a stand-up comedy show on DVD. I got in at the right time – the money just kept coming in after I did it.
Are you better off than your parents?
Yes. They had a house, but they had nothing else. I, on the other hand, have everything else — but I don't have a house. I don't have it easy, but I've a far easier life than my parents had.
If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?
I'd give 90pc away as I don't need a lot. Then I'd disappear and never work again.
iTunes or Spotify?
iTunes. I can't get into Spotify – I feel like I'm invading young people's territory!
The last thing you bought online?
I never shop online. It doesn't feel natural, if I can't see something in front of me, I can't trust to buy it.
Would you buy Irish property now?
I don't think there's ever a good time to buy property but I'd buy a house for myself if I could.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?
My motorbike. My season ticket for Bohemians Football Club. Things for my dogs: Stella the Staffordshire Terrier and Wendy the Weimaraner.