‘That phrase “cash is king” is long dead’

Ireland rugby sevens player Jordan Conroy is an ambassador for Flogas, the sponsor of Team Ireland at the Paris Olympics 2024. www.flogas.ie

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m definitely a saver and have been since I was young.

Do you shop around for better value?

When it comes to food and clothes, yes, 100 per cent. There’s nothing better than purchasing an item in the sales or seeing a price tag in yellow with a lower price.

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

I would have to say my car. It cost me €32,000, which is the most money I’ve ever dropped in one purchase. That said, it’s something I needed for training and getting to camps and up to Abbotstown National Sports Campus.

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

My electric toothbrush and my air fryer. The toothbrush travels the world with me, and the air fryer is a very welcome addition to my kitchen.

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

I did not shop at all during the lockdowns. I was happy to just chill, train and eat. In theory, I should have saved plenty!

Do you haggle over prices?

Never really, unless I’m on holiday buying a pair of cheap sunglasses or hats in a market. I feel if you don’t haggle, the stall or shop owners think you’re a bit of a pushover,

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

I started buying more takeouts and takeaways than usual. As an athlete, this was not at all a great habit to get into but when it came to cooking, I just got lazy. I admit it was a bad habit to pick up, but that’s gone now, thankfully.

Do you invest in shares?

I wish I had more understanding of them so I could consider it but I just don’t have enough knowledge at this time. To be honest, my primary focus has been solely on getting to Paris.

Cash or card?

Always card. That phrase ‘cash is king’ is long dead.

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

Dinner at Boeuf & Frites in Crow Street, Dublin. Two main courses for €30 per person. The steak and unlimited fries were worth every cent.

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

Yes, I have. From an early age, I was taught about the importance of saving. There is something very satisfying in having worked hard and saved up your own money to buy something you’ve wanted.

Have you ever lost money?

For years, I never carried a wallet so every time I was out I’d have notes and bank cards in the same pocket as my phone. It’s safe to say that whenever I went to reach for my phone, either cash or cards, or both, would fall out. I never noticed until it was too late.

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

No, thank God I never liked anything to do with gambling nor saw the appeal of it. Mind you, I did occasionally lose lunch money during school days playing pitch and toss. But that was more a contest of skill than gambling!

Is money important to you?

No, it never was, even when I was growing up. I just know I need a certain amount of it to live.

How much money do you have on you now?

Enough for a chicken fillet roll and a can of Lucozade!

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

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