Writing my second column for this publication, I again find myself reflecting on a topic close to my heart – working in a family business alongside closely knit family members.
As children, we grew up in the hotel [Dunmore House] – it was our home, and so we were part of it every day. There were six children in our household and each of us found a niche within the business. There was always so much to do, and we experienced every facet of hotel and catering life. I believe this created a strong work ethic. It taught us the value of teamwork and the importance of hard work and long hours.
In earlier years, I worked closely with my parents, Derry and Mary O’Donovan. They worked tirelessly to create the beginnings of what is today a very special place. I may not have always been the easiest student – I was quite steadfast in my ideas – but we worked well together. They gave me responsibility and trusted me with decision-making from an early stage.
When I married, our four children were always included in the life of the hotel and took great pride in caring for it. Even today, despite having careers of their own, our children are always willing to lend a hand and contribute ideas and opinions along the way.
Our son, Peter, studied law and philosophy in University College Dublin (UCD) before continuing his education at the Smurfit Business School. To our delight, when he finished his studies, he told us he wanted to return home to the family business. Peter later completed a Master’s degree in global hospitality in Lausanne, Switzerland. My parents were so proud to see the hotel continue with a fourth-generation family member involved.
Peter is now our general manager but, as is often the case in family businesses, he is involved in every aspect of the hotel, from the kitchen to service areas and daily operations.
My husband, Richard, retired from his law practice 12 years ago and, together, the three of us continue to carry the family business forward.
Truly, we work very well together. I see myself as a mother figure within the hotel, with all the responsibilities that role entails in a family home. My team – or perhaps more accurately, my extended family – is much larger than the norm, but it is so important to show gratitude and respect to each and every person.
In many ways, I see our business as no different from a family farm, shop, pub or factory. Every family business faces similar dynamics: deciding who may be interested in continuing the work into the next generation, balancing expectations on children to return home and understanding which family member may be best suited to the profession. Today, with property and land carrying such value, these issues can sometimes create unrest among siblings.
Working closely with family members is not without its challenges. We sometimes work in a high pressure environment during service where personalities may have differing opinions. How to overcome these tensions at home can be interesting. We try to leave any tensions in the workplace. Sometimes, 30 minutes spent in the bar after work having a chat can be a nice break.
Looking back, my parents never pressured me to commit to the hotel, yet it became my life’s passion. Likewise, Richard and I never presumed that one of our four children would join the business, so we feel incredibly fortunate to see the hotel continue to grow under such loving care.
One point I always emphasise is the importance of teaching young people a strong work ethic. It may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of life’s greatest skills and necessities. We employ around 40 students on a part-time basis, and I can only commend them for their commitment and care towards both their work and our guests.
We have the privilege of watching these young people grow and progress, and over the years they are often joined by younger siblings, continuing a lovely tradition.
Our full-time in-house team are invaluable to the business. Miriam Rea, a trusted extended family member, plays a central role, while our HR, sustainability, and accounts departments are led by Linda Cummins and Triona O’Leary, who are also family members.
Our family business is truly precious to us and deeply appreciated by our many returning guests.
Read more
Take five: Place to stay
Writing my second column for this publication, I again find myself reflecting on a topic close to my heart – working in a family business alongside closely knit family members.
As children, we grew up in the hotel [Dunmore House] – it was our home, and so we were part of it every day. There were six children in our household and each of us found a niche within the business. There was always so much to do, and we experienced every facet of hotel and catering life. I believe this created a strong work ethic. It taught us the value of teamwork and the importance of hard work and long hours.
In earlier years, I worked closely with my parents, Derry and Mary O’Donovan. They worked tirelessly to create the beginnings of what is today a very special place. I may not have always been the easiest student – I was quite steadfast in my ideas – but we worked well together. They gave me responsibility and trusted me with decision-making from an early stage.
When I married, our four children were always included in the life of the hotel and took great pride in caring for it. Even today, despite having careers of their own, our children are always willing to lend a hand and contribute ideas and opinions along the way.
Our son, Peter, studied law and philosophy in University College Dublin (UCD) before continuing his education at the Smurfit Business School. To our delight, when he finished his studies, he told us he wanted to return home to the family business. Peter later completed a Master’s degree in global hospitality in Lausanne, Switzerland. My parents were so proud to see the hotel continue with a fourth-generation family member involved.
Peter is now our general manager but, as is often the case in family businesses, he is involved in every aspect of the hotel, from the kitchen to service areas and daily operations.
My husband, Richard, retired from his law practice 12 years ago and, together, the three of us continue to carry the family business forward.
Truly, we work very well together. I see myself as a mother figure within the hotel, with all the responsibilities that role entails in a family home. My team – or perhaps more accurately, my extended family – is much larger than the norm, but it is so important to show gratitude and respect to each and every person.
In many ways, I see our business as no different from a family farm, shop, pub or factory. Every family business faces similar dynamics: deciding who may be interested in continuing the work into the next generation, balancing expectations on children to return home and understanding which family member may be best suited to the profession. Today, with property and land carrying such value, these issues can sometimes create unrest among siblings.
Working closely with family members is not without its challenges. We sometimes work in a high pressure environment during service where personalities may have differing opinions. How to overcome these tensions at home can be interesting. We try to leave any tensions in the workplace. Sometimes, 30 minutes spent in the bar after work having a chat can be a nice break.
Looking back, my parents never pressured me to commit to the hotel, yet it became my life’s passion. Likewise, Richard and I never presumed that one of our four children would join the business, so we feel incredibly fortunate to see the hotel continue to grow under such loving care.
One point I always emphasise is the importance of teaching young people a strong work ethic. It may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of life’s greatest skills and necessities. We employ around 40 students on a part-time basis, and I can only commend them for their commitment and care towards both their work and our guests.
We have the privilege of watching these young people grow and progress, and over the years they are often joined by younger siblings, continuing a lovely tradition.
Our full-time in-house team are invaluable to the business. Miriam Rea, a trusted extended family member, plays a central role, while our HR, sustainability, and accounts departments are led by Linda Cummins and Triona O’Leary, who are also family members.
Our family business is truly precious to us and deeply appreciated by our many returning guests.
Read more
Take five: Place to stay
SHARING OPTIONS