‘I was always a cash in hand guy, but Covid totally changed that’

Ray Blackwell oversees De Barra’s pub and music venue in Clonakilty, Co Cork, and is cofounder of the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival which this year takes place from Friday, September 15th, until Sunday, September 24th. https://clonguitarfest.com/

Are you a saver or a spender?

I bend both ways. I have no qualms spending money – after all, that’s pretty much why it was invented. But at the same time I’m well able to knuckle down and squirrel away a few bob if need be. Fortunately, I don’t really have any expensive habits and I’m a few years away from that midlife crisis motorbike!

Do you shop around for better value?

I don’t. I’d rather have a comfortable shopping experience and spend my money in places where I know the business owners than give my money to the faceless mega-mart. Clonakilty bucks the global trend of the decline of the high street and it’s incredibly important that we support these local traders to keep our town and main street vital. When they’re gone, they’re gone and we’ll never get them back.

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

On my honeymoon to the US, my beautiful bride and I ended up getting married a second time in Las Vegas at “the little white chapel”, at which the ceremony was officiated by none other than the king himself, Elvis (or someone like him!). That night back in the hotel, not being a gambler and possibly losing a couple of hundred bucks on blackjack, I went to a fancy bar and asked them for their most expensive tequila. The server told me it was €5,000 for a shot so I immediately settled for the inferior but delicious €200 shot!

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

In 2013, in a thrift shop in Reykjavik, I found a three-quarter-length winter coat that could have been tailored for me. It cost me €20 and is still going strong. I look forward to many more winters in it.

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How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

Local all the way. In fact, back in the early days of the pandemic there was an added element of danger to the local shop – you felt you were stepping out into the zombie apocalypse. “I am just going outside and may be some time,” was my half-joking refrain as I left the house. There was also a bit of purpose, however, as I collected groceries and/or newspapers for my in-laws, parents and a few other people that were cocooning. That, at least, made you feel a bit useful.

Do you haggle over prices?

I don’t. The price is the price. I respect that a lot more now, especially after Covid. Anyone who runs a fixed premises business knows how brutal it is, so the price is the price. Other options are available.

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

I was always a cash-in-hand guy, but Covid totally changed that. My bank card is now on my phone and that’s that, there’s no going back. Give me convenience or give me death!

Do you invest in shares?

No, I don’t. I can barely manage my day job and family life and, for better or for worse, another thing taking up capacity in my already capacity-diminished brain is the last thing I need.

Cash or card?

I’m now a card guy, as I said. That pesky new world order!

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

The last thing I bought was a beautiful five-colour print black T-shirt by Caoi De Barra, of Wyvern Lingo. She recently played De Barras, Clonakilty, as part of her Scooter tour of Ireland, and she did a very limited run of the T-shirts, which are ethically made.

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

I have indeed. All the family milestones bring with them their own financial pressures, but I’m fortunate that, among her many talents, my wife is a great project manager and this has rubbed off on me. It’s a crucial skill that’s necessary for running a festival or a music venue, not to mention your own life.

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Have you ever lost money?

No, nothing substantial, anyway. I’m not really into speculating and I don’t take loads of financial risks. I’m a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race kind of guy.

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

I’m not a gambler but back in my salad days of college in 1999, me and a pal both put one Irish pound on Ireland and Scotland to win the Six Nations. Placing the bet in February, we thought nothing more of it but Scotland went on to win by points that year, and we both ended up 80 punts richer when the tournament finished in April. Needless to say, there was no Dutch Gold taken that day – only the finest wines available to humanity and, of course, lovely pints in Nancy Spains.

Is money important to you?

No, it’s not, but it’s easy to say that if you have a bit. Life is like a crap sandwich – the more bread you have the less crap.

How much money do you have on you now?

Right now, I don’t have any money on me.

in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea