Brian O'Driscoll revealed in his new autobiography that during the "boom", he bought an outdoor jacuzzi. It had to be installed by a crane over his garden wall - so unsurprisingly, he's pretty bashful about that now. It got us thinking, what did we spend money on during the Celtic Tiger that we wouldn't in a million years buy now? Paula took out a massive loan to go to Australia (which she JUST finished paying back 3 months ago, after 6 years "regrettable, not worth it"). Paul Collins admitted to splashing out on gold-tipped scart plugs (heehee) back when times were good - and we also put the question out to our listeners. Here are just some of the texts we received - you're an extravagant, decadent lot!
I bought a house after only 1 ten minute viewing - can a house be an impulse buy? From John
Hair extensions when they first came out for €600. They glue burnt my hair and had to chop it all off. Not cool. Claire in Galway
Celtic Tiger splurge - €180 euro on a car valet. I basically paid someone to run a hoover over the inside of the car and throw a bucket of water over it. MADNESS.
A drink bar for the house - being used now to store nuts and bolts in the garage!! Madness! Pauline Chapman
I added over a hundred grand to cost of our house by adding a basement. Planned to add a den - never furnished it. Now it’s used by the kids from the neighbourhood for indoor soccer on wet days. Dave
€5500 for an imported surfboard - just as the euro was tanking.
A bright pink full length tweed coat from BT because it matched my shoes and belt. HAD to have it but ended up never wearing because I came my senses - it was too tacky. Antoinette Farrelly
We also got one of those beds that the telly comes out of the foot of the bed - but it’s too close to be able to watch comfortably!
Hi Ian, during the Celtic Tiger I bought a house. When I was buying electrical goods for the kitchen, not only the colour had to match but the brand also. I now own a €300 coffee machine sitting out in the shed. Jenny Robinson, Dublin.
The holdall full of ski gear in the shed. Never went skiing. David Doyle.
Went to Oz for a wedding for 3 and half weeks...came back 9 months later! Bridget Kealy
I spent €300 on a shirt and €400 on a pair of jeans in Dundrum one Saturday. The buttons were ripped out and destroyed the shirt by the lads messing that night. About two weeks later I fell and ripped the knees from the jeans. Jason in Wexford
Morning Ian - I went out and bought a fishing boat as one of wife's friends had bought one. The thing is... I hate fishing AND I’m afraid of water. Never used! Colin in Wexford
I spent €1250 on a dress to go to a distant cousin’s wedding. Sinead
My biggest regret was the white jeep my husband bought. It was the year the song "I’m a Barbie Girl" was out. We couldn’t go anywhere without someone ringing it at us. Annette in Gorey
A motorised golf bag - but never joined a golfclub! Johnny Keady
I bought a kayak worth nearly €2000 including wetsuit, paddle, roofracks etc. I never used it as I can’t even swim! That said, it serves as a nice little flower bed in the garden! From Davey :-)
I bought a white linen suit. Wore it once in 2006 - and still getting a rake of deserved abuse. John Walsh, Dublin
Helicptor licence
€260 for a very ordinary blouse that I wore ONCE! Lizzie AJ in Laois
Botox €450!
I once bought a sauna – and used it once. Alan
Buying a brand new car, blowing over 10 grand on a holiday to South America and worst of all getting blond highlights...cheers, Niall
My wife bought a chair for our landing - spent €3500 on it...and it’s now thrown in the garage. Grrrrrrrr - Colin
Hi girls & Ian my wife bought me a telescope for €300 as she thought it would be romantic to look at the stars!! Alan cork
Regrettable now, I was away with me mates on a lads weekend I thought it would be a good idea to get a Celtic tiger tattoo.not one of my finer moments.
