Against the odds: John Boyle

He overcame an addiction problem to dominate the Irish gambling industry. In this startling interview, the BoyleSports founder reveals the personal toll of his unstoppable drive and the reason it’s quitting time once again

John Boyle, founder and owner of BoyleSports, the biggest betting business in the state with 242 outlets Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

The interview is careening towards its third hour, and the table that separates us has become a battlefield of exhausted tea cups, cold toast and warm water glasses. There have been so many detours to this conversation, so many digressions, that I have long stopped trying to take notes.

Even a routine question about holiday plans has opened up a debate about veganism, mindfulness and the power of positive thought. We have discussed ...