A deep connection to rural living and its heritage ingredients provided the foundation for a food enterprise founded in Co. Leitrim that is celebrating 35 years in business this year.

Dromod Boxty was founded by Timmie Faughnan and the venture is now led by his daughter, Áine, with eleven people employed.

Áine said: "Life in rural Ireland wasn’t just a backdrop. It shaped my dad's values, work ethic, and love for traditional food."

Before founding Dromod Boxty, Timmy ran the local shop in Dromod. It was there that he began making boxty - a traditional potato pancake - using his mother’s cherished recipe, initially just for family and friends.

The response from locals was so enthusiastic that he recognised an opportunity to bring this traditional dish to a wider market. That was the spark that led to the creation of Dromod Boxty.

Áine grew up alongside the business, often joining her dad on deliveries or lending a hand in the bakery.

She said: "The business was woven into my everyday life from the start, shaping my passion for keeping the family tradition alive.

"After travelling and gaining experience, I took over as managing director in 2015, proudly bringing the company into its second generation and continuing to build on my dad's legacy," Áine said.

Starting a food business in rural Ireland in the early 1990s came with plenty of challenges, Áine acknowledged.

Timmy had limited resources, had to convince retailers to take a chance on a niche traditional product, and worked hard to stay true to his mother’s original Boxty recipe while scaling up production, she said.

As the business grew, the family faced the constant evolution of food production technologies, needing bespoke equipment to suit their unique products and learning to adapt to these changes.

"Support from Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grants has been a great help along the way, enabling investment in equipment and training," Áine said.

Through resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to their roots, the family overcame the obstacles, transforming Dromod Boxty from a local kitchen project into a nationally recognised brand.

While Boxty is the signature product and the heart of the business, Timmy added more of his mother’s recipes, including potato bread and pancakes.

Over time, the range has continued to grow, introducing gluten-free boxty along the way.

Under Áine's leadership, children's pancakes and protein pancakes were added to the range.

"Despite this expansion, Boxty remains the cornerstone of the brand and the product that started it all," she said.

The majority of Dromod Boxty’s sales are in Ireland through the supermarket SuperValu, independent shops, and foodservice partners, but they also export to the US where many expat customers hanker after a traditional taste of home.

Major upgrades have been made to production processes at Dromod Boxty, providing a much greater capacity to produce while still maintaining a handcrafted quality.

"It is essential to the business to source from local suppliers for our raw ingredients such as potatoes and milk, ensuring sustainability and supporting the local economy.

"Looking ahead, the focus is on expanding our market in Ireland and abroad, growing exports, and introducing innovative new products - all while staying true to the traditions and values that built Dromod Boxty," Áine said.