‘I recently learned I’m still growing – now I’m 6 foot 7 and a half’ – Darach Honan

The Clare Echo is proud to be media partner of The Clare Business Excellence Awards. In the lead-up to the Gala Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the Rine Hotel, The Clare Echo is doing a Business Spotlight series sponsored by AMQ Accountants and Auditors. This week, we speak to Darach Honan of Honan Financial Services.

When you were smaller, what did you want to be when you grow up?

When I was young my focus was always on sports, playing hurling and basketball as well as anything else we could arrange locally. I never put a huge focus on what I would end up doing professionally until closer to college time.

When I was in secondary school I liked the business subjects and had a really good accountancy teacher, Mr Larkin, so at that point I figured I would do something in the world of finance. It was only after I finished college and started working I became aware of financial advisory as a potential career path and once I started I really enjoyed it and have never looked back.

Tell us about your career progression to date?

After school I went to study Finance in UCC and really enjoyed my time there. At times, enjoying myself too much. I decided to knuckle down and do a Masters in Financial Services in University of Limerick. This gave me a great grounding in many different areas of finance and it is a course I would really recommend. I landed a graduate role on the pricing team in Northern Trust in Limerick and learned a lot there.

I then moved on to a role as a financial advisor with a nationwide company based out of Limerick. The focus here was on advising public sector employees on their pension benefits. It was really good training and after ten years working here I decided to set up my own company in 2021.

The financial advice profession has seen a lot of changes since I entered the business as the public is engaging more with financial planning and investments. The business has grown every year to date and we believe there is huge opportunity to help more people in the future.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

Working with people. We meet people with different circumstances and real problems every day. Personal finance can be hard to navigate and helping people implement strategies that make huge differences to their financial health is very rewarding.

What motivates you?

I want to help as many people as I can and make a real difference with their personal finance. I also want to build a business that leaves a lasting legacy. We have come a long way in Ireland in recent years when it comes to financial literacy but we still have a long way to go, I feel really passionate about helping people on that journey.

What advice do you have for your 15 year old self?

Just focus on the things you enjoy. There’s plenty of time for worrying about the more serious things in life as you get older. I’m pretty happy with how things turned out so no need to do anything drastically different!

If you weren’t in this job, what do you think you’d be doing now?

I often thought I would enjoy being an auctioneer. I’m sure it was not nice in the aftermath of 2007 but I do think it would be something I would like.

What’s your greatest life or career achievement to date?

My greatest achievement in life to date is becoming a father to my two girls. Having come from a house of only boys it has been a real education. They keep me on my toes and are always full of fun and devilment.

Representing Clare in hurling and winning the All Ireland in 2013 was a huge achievement and I felt privileged to wear the Clare jersey. We have a really strong bond within the group and getting over the line that year is one of my favourite memories and best achievements.

My greatest achievement professionally is starting the business from scratch in 2021 and seeing the growth we have achieved in five years.

Who or what is the biggest influence on your life?

My wife, Louise, and my parents.

I met my wife when doing a masters in UL as she was undertaking a masters in taxation. She has played a huge role in helping with the building of the business and all aspects of our life.

While my parents were teachers/lecturers, they were also very entrepreneurial and ran very successful summer camps for many years as we were growing up. This gave me a good education in self employment and how business works as we were roped in every year to help out!

What’s the life dream now?

I want to continue to grow my business to help more people locally with their financial planning. I’d like to ensure I achieve a good work life balance and am present for my family while also having time to do the things I enjoy in life.

How do you switch off?

I like to go to the cinema when I get a chance, we really enjoyed ‘bad apples’ recently. Read the papers (Clare echo number one of course!). I also like to play golf, padel and watch sports.

When are you at your happiest?

I am lucky that I love what I do so I am happy every day at work. I enjoy working in teams towards a common goal. Saying that, nothing beats the warm reception I get coming in the door from work every evening. Family is what it’s all about at the end of the day and time spent with family is always time well spent.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m a mediocre juggler and decent at skipping, but not at the same time!

What might we be surprised to know about you?

I recently learned I’m still growing. I was 6 foot 6 and a half in my 20s and now I’m 6 foot 7 and a half.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Id like to encourage everyone to engage with their finances more and to become financial literate. Sometimes people like to sweep money problems under the rug but addressing where you are at and where you could get to is always a good idea. This can feel daunting but that’s why financial advise can be so powerful. Something small like investing the children’s allowance instead of putting it in the bank can make a massive difference to your finances so getting educated or seeking advice really can make all the difference.

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