Tributes paid to Laois woman who was a Ballymaloe driving force

Many tributes have been paid to a Laois woman who was a driving force behind a key part of the world-famous Ballymaloe brand in Cork.

Hazel Allen (nee Lalor), of Ballymaloe House, and formerly of Ballygogue House, Ballacolla was best known as the woman who ran the popular Ballymaloe House Hotel for many years. She died peacefully on May 3 after a long illness. 

Hazel was was married to Rory Allen, son of the late Myrtle Allen - the Michelin star head chef and co-owner of Ballymaloe. She was also a sister-in-law to Laois woman Darina from Cullohill who succeeded Myrtle as the face of Ballymaloe as it expanded to become internationally famous. Darina's brother Rory O'Connell is the other Laois link to Ballymaloe.

A tribute was paid to Hazel by Ballymaloe on her passing.

"Ballymaloe House and the extended Allen family are sad to announce the passing of Hazel Allen, who died peacefully on 3rd May, in the care of Marymount Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, following a long illness.

"Hazel will be dearly missed by her husband Rory, children Cullen, Fawn, Darren, Caragh, and Roisí­n, her 15 grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law, the Allen family, friends, staff and guests of Ballymaloe," it said.

Hundreds of other tributes were paid on social media and www.RIP.ie from around Ireland, internationally and from the native county of the Laois woman who began working in Cork in 1969 aged 19. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

TV chef Catherine Fulvio was among those to express her sympathies.

"We are so sorry to hear of Hazel’s passing. She was such a beautiful lady. Our deepest sympathies to her family, may she rest in peace," she said on facebook.

Anne and Brendan Hyland, Borris in Ossory also express their sorrow.

"Our heartfelt sympathy to the Allen and Lalor families at this sad time. Hazel will be much missed by all who knew her especially for her generous nature and beautiful smile," they said.

"Deepest sympathy to David, Joe the Lalor and Allen families on your sad loss. May Hazel Rest in Peace," wrote Seosamh Murphy & Family Castle Arms Hotel Durrow Co. Laois.

"Our condolences to Rory his family and the Lalor family. We will always remember Hazel for her warm and winning ways and her great welcome to Ballymaloe," said Leslie and Anne Payne.

"Sincere condolence to David Joe on the passing of your sister Hazel.Our thoughts and prayers are with you the Allen and Lalor families," said Padraig and Miriam Hyland in Ballacolla.

The deceased was deeply loved by her husband Rory and is also sadly missed by children Cullen, Fawn, Darren, Caragh and Róisín, brothers David and Joe, and grandchildren. Sadly missed by her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, greater family, neighbours, friends, staff and guests of Ballymaloe.

Hazel’s family thanked her caring teams at Bon’s Secours Hospital and Marymount Hospice for their exceptional care.

Her remains reposed at Ballymaloe Grainstore, Shanagarry, Co. Cork on Monday, May 6 before a Quaker Funeral at Ballymaloe Grainstore on Tuesday, May 7 with burial afterwards at the Quaker Meeting House Burial Ground, Cork City.