The Sunday interview: Darina Allen on the challenges of running a family business as it heads into its third generation

Ballymaloe is a family business, heading into the third generation – a tricky time for any company. But Darina Allen has weathered some well-publicised challenges over the years and come through it all, remaining committed to the family ideal of natural and locally produced food

Darina Allen Pic: John Allen

CV Darina Allen

Role: founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School

Lives: Shanagarry, Co Cork

Age:71

Family: four children, 11 grandchildren, married to Tim

Early bird or night owl:“Early bird”

Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram: Twitter and Instagram

‘Here, pass me over that scone,” Darina Allen says, breaking off from an impassioned discourse on sustainability when she sees that I’m not eating, hands beckoning with maternal impatience.

I do as I’m told, and she serves me ...