Beyond Money by Alpha Wealth

In this episode of Beyond Money, we're joined by our own David Looney, Certified Financial Planner and Financial Advisory Director at Alpha Wealth, to look at why so many Irish households are sitting on record levels of cash savings and what that means for their long-term financial future.
David explains why deposit accounts remain the default choice for so many savers, even as inflation steadily erodes the value of that money, and what's holding people back from investing instead. He unpacks the real difference between saving and investing, and what long-term investing can offer that cash sitting on deposit simply can't.
Cliona and David also look ahead to Budget 2027, where Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is expected to give further detail on a proposed new Government-backed savings and investment scheme, designed to encourage people to move money out of low-interest accounts and into capital market investments. They discuss what's known so far, the questions still to be answered, and how a scheme like this could change the way ordinary savers approach growing their money.
An honest and practical conversation about the benefits of saving, the opportunity cost of playing it too safe and what to watch for as Ireland's savings landscape prepares for one of its biggest shifts in years.

In this episode of Beyond Money, we’re joined by Cork entrepreneur Conor Galvin, founder of Press Print Paper and one of the Irish contestants who took on The Apprentice in 2026.

Conor shares the story behind Press Print Paper, his innovative business that transforms special moments into personalised, vintage-style newspapers for weddings, corporate events, sporting occasions and more. What started as an idea quickly grew into a thriving business operating across Ireland, the UK and beyond.

David and Conor discuss the journey of building a business from the ground up, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and what Conor learned from putting his business and himself under the spotlight on one of television’s toughest business competitions.

From his experience in the boardroom to growing Press Print Paper and his ambitions for the future, Conor offers an honest insight into what it takes to back yourself, deal with setbacks and keep pushing your business forward.

A fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, ambition, resilience and the lessons that come from putting yourself outside your comfort zone.

In this episode of Beyond Money, we sit down with John Boyle and Tom Edwards, the founders of Stone Valley Roasters, to explore how a shared passion for great coffee turned into one of Ireland's leading specialty coffee brands.
What began with two musicians discussing coffee on the way to a gig has grown into a thriving business, roasting specialty coffee in the heart of Clonakilty and supplying cafés, restaurants and coffee lovers across Ireland.
John and Tom share the realities of building a business from the ground up, the lessons they've learned as entrepreneurs, and why staying true to quality, authenticity and community has been central to their success. They also discuss the growth of Ireland's specialty coffee industry, the importance of building a strong brand, and how passion can become a sustainable business.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in hearing the stories behind successful Irish businesses, this episode is packed with practical insights, honest advice and plenty of inspiration.

In this episode of Beyond Money, we’re joined by Pat Falvey, entrepreneur and founder of Blarney Brewing Company and co-founder of Active Brewing, for an inspiring conversation about building businesses, spotting opportunities and disrupting traditional industries.
After a successful career in property, Pat took on a completely new challenge by entering the brewing industry with a vision to create an independent Irish brewery focused on quality, sustainability and value. He shares the story behind building Blarney Brewing Company from the ground up, the lessons learned along the way, and why backing yourself is essential when taking on established players.
The conversation also explores the launch of Active Brewing, an innovative alcohol-free brewing company combining premium brewing with health and wellness. Pat discusses changing consumer trends, the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic drinks market, and why he believes functional beverages represent the future of the industry.
From entrepreneurship and innovation to resilience, branding and scaling a business, this episode is packed with practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone interested in building a brand that challenges the status quo.

In this special episode of Beyond Money, we bring you Part Two of the live recording from Alpha Wealth’s Motivate. Prepare. Empower. event at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Featuring insights from Carrie McDermott, Mairead O’Driscoll, Lesley Giltinan and David Looney, this conversation explores key themes across legal, tax, wellness and financial planning, offering practical guidance for both personal and professional life.
Each speaker shares their expertise on preparing for the future, making informed decisions, and building resilience across different areas of life and business. From financial wellbeing to legal awareness and overall health, this episode highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to success.
A must-listen for anyone looking to gain real-world advice from experienced professionals across multiple disciplines.