02 Feb, 2024

Irish rugby’s loss is ifac’s gain!

Back in 2001, it was something of a toss of a coin as to whether Gareth would look to forge a professional rugby career. A very talented young player, he studied at Clongowes Wood College (a hotbed of young talent) and, as well as getting capped at Irish Schools level, went on to feature at Interpro level for Leinster Under 21s and as a member of the famous Leinster Academy. 

Looking back, I really believe I made the right decision to opt for a life in finance. Back then, there were very few full-time opportunities available, so it would have been a pretty big leap to throw it all in for the sake of a rugby career that potentially might lead nowhere. Still, when I’m watching Ireland or Leinster play, there’s always that little voice inside my head wondering what it might have been like if I’d thrown in my lot with rugby.

Instead, I studied to become a Financial Advisor and worked with a number of well-known companies before joining ifac in 2017. I saw a job advertisement from a company I’d never heard of, but I really liked the story they told and the nature of what they did. They believe in really deep personal relationships with their clients and become a part of the client team in many ways.

"Possibly from my background in sport, I really like the notion of working together towards a common goal, and I’ve found the culture here at ifac to be right up my street."

The relationships I enjoy with my clients go way deeper than anything I was used to with previous employers. When I ask a client how long they’ve been with ifac, they’ll typically relay that the relationship has been ongoing for decades – that says it all really!

I grew up in Rathcoole, and though not of actual farming stock, I was surrounded by farmers and farmland, so much so, that at twelve years old I found regular employment at weekends and during school holidays on the farms of my neighbours.

The fact that I’ve ended up in an industry I love providing the sort of service that I love has been something of a professional dream come true – so maybe I’m starting to live with that decision twenty years ago not to go down the rugby road.

Gareth Hayes

Talk to Gareth Hayes

01 4277400info@ifac.ieLinkedin

Oisín Gryson
Success Story

Ifac have been instrumental in nurturing my professional growth.

Oisín Gryson, Food & Agribusiness Executive
Read Oisín Gryson's Insight