‘When I sold my business, I bought a very expensive watch for around €7,000′

Irish Times

13-05-2025

Gary Brown is a former Shelbourne FC footballer and club chairman. He is also a businessman and playwright. His play, Ollie ... One Love, One Life, about former Shelbourne FC chairman Ollie Byrne, which features Gary Cooke, plays at the Helix, Dublin, on Saturday and Sunday.
Are you a saver or a spender?
Now that I'm a writer and playwright and have retired from advertising, I'm definitely a spender, although I do squirrel away a few bob for special occasions.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
My first paid job was in 1973 as a lounge boy in a pub in Cabra – Matt Whelan's, which is no longer there. I was 13 pretending to be 16, and I worked with my then-pal Ashley Grimes, who went on to play for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland. We were paid 30p an hour.
Do you shop around for better value?
I tend to shop around for high-value items and I always like the banter and a good look around in a market or a second-hand shop.
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What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
When I sold my business, I bought a very expensive watch for around €7,000. It's worth a lot more now, and I've passed it on to family.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Any house I've ever bought has been of value over time, and not just monetary value either, as there have been great memories and occasions.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
There were a few meals out in expensive restaurants that I regret spending money on – poor quality food and service, and really over-the-top prices.
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Do you haggle over prices?
Yes, I would haggle in markets. I remember once in an antiques shop in London, I offered about half the asking price for a painting. The owner said: 'Wait here until I ask my business partner what he thinks.' He went into an alcove, pressed a button, and the sound from The Laughing Policeman played full volume around the shop. That was class and hilarious!
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
I did invest in shares and I have done well, but also not so well – bank shares before the crash, we all remember those. Crypto? I know what I don't know, so no cryptocurrency for me.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
Yes, I have some ARFs [Approved Retirement Funds] that are in a mixture of property and cash. That said, I have some decisions to make soon.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
I've just bought some nuts for my bird feeder in Duncannon, Co Wexford, so that will keep the birds happy and me happy. So yes, good value.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
When I was a teenager, I saved up for a brown leather jacket, which was a big purchase for me then. I loved it and thought I was the bee's knees in it. It was stolen, however, from a changing room while I was playing soccer. If I ever catch that louser!
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Have you ever lost money?
Yes. I was advised by a financial adviser, so-called, to invest in Custom House Capital. I got some of it back. Enough said.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I have the odd flutter on golf, soccer and horses, but not much. I had a tenner each way on Padraig Harrington at 35/1 to win his first major in 2007, so that was great.
What are your best and worst habits when it comes to money?
My best habit is trusting my own judgment over advisers. I have listened to advisers in the past but I would now say: listen, then make your own decisions and trust yourself. My worst habit is that I have probably been too conservative sometimes and missed out on certain opportunities. Invest in yourself and trust yourself is my advice.
Describe Ollie Byrne in one sentence?
Ollie Byrne was an enigmatic force of nature who was obsessive, generous, enterprising, pugnacious and kind all in equal measure.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have €120. I still love having cash in my pockets.