I am going racing today for the first time in decades. I am heading over to the Curragh to attend the 2,000 guineas meeting. I used to go racing every weekend when I was a student and in my early 20s. But I drifted out of it when I started my own business and found… Continue reading Going racing for the first time in decades
Category: Society
Noisy independents failing to make an impact?
A commenter left a comment last week on my YouTube channel about how he was looking forward to the elections in Ireland. He looked forward to seeing the hiding independents and anti-establishment candidates were going to give to the established parties, especially Fianna Fail, Fianna Gael, the Greens etc. An opinion poll was published last… Continue reading Noisy independents failing to make an impact?
Massive pension tax loophole-€2M tax free contributions permitted
There is a massive tax loophole you should be aware of. A taxation change brought in by the Finance Act 2022 removed a benefit in kind charge on employer contributions to a pension pot for an employee. The Revenue Commissioners have expressed their concern about the change and the consequent loophole. The effect of the… Continue reading Massive pension tax loophole-€2M tax free contributions permitted
Bruce Springsteen and thoughts of retirement
I was at Bruce Springsteen last night in Croke Park and it is hard to believe he is 74 years old. He is inspirational for a person of an age where retirement may be something to consider. Because watching belting out 50 years of rock and roll hits with love and passion with the energy… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen and thoughts of retirement
Shocking betrayal of trust by security man
That case reported yesterday involving the security guard working in Penneys and the 15-year-old girl must be one of the worst nightmares of any parent. The guy, who ordered the young girl who had been shoplifting a low value make up brush and something else that young girls are interested in to remove her clothes… Continue reading Shocking betrayal of trust by security man
How to give wealth to your children in the most tax efficient way
If you want to give your child €1,000,000 and you give him/her cash he/she will pay tax on the gift or benefit in a will at a rate of 33%. Your child will have a tax free threshold of €335,000, therefore will be taxed on the excess of €665,000. The same capital acquisitions tax/gift tax… Continue reading How to give wealth to your children in the most tax efficient way
Galway-the graveyard of ambition?
I have always joked with my youngest daughter, who lives and works in Galway, that it is the graveyard of ambition. After spending a Saturday afternoon and evening in and around Eyre Square on a bank holiday weekend I can understand the charge, even if it’s not entirely true. I was in The Quays pub… Continue reading Galway-the graveyard of ambition?
Mount Street, Ireland, 2024
It’s only when you walk up Mount Street that it strikes you. The tents. Tents everywhere. On the footpath, in all the side streets, near the International Protection Office. I was walking out to the Workplace Relations Commission in Ballsbridge yesterday and walked past these tents. It is hard to believe this has been allowed… Continue reading Mount Street, Ireland, 2024
Fearing for Kildare footballers today
As a long suffering Kildare GAA fan reading Dean Rock’s preview analysis of the Kildare v Louth game in the Leinster Championship in Croke Park made difficult reading yesterday morning. It upset the smooth passage of the porridge down my throat, to be honest. Dean Rock fancies Louth to beat Kildare today. Why? Because of… Continue reading Fearing for Kildare footballers today
I’m proud of this call
My forte would not be human relations or the touchy-feely stuff. Any strengths I have probably lie elsewhere, I will admit that. I am capable of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Not out of malice or intention but out of clumsiness and a dearth of those skills that my wife possesses. So… Continue reading I’m proud of this call