The finances of many large Irish family-owned groups, and thus the wealth of the families behind them, are very often shielded behind unlimited companies. Examples include the Brennan family that owns Brennan’s Bread, or the Dunne retailing family, or the Keelings fruit business in north Dublin.

One family, however, that doesn't shield its finances is the Pettitts from Wexford, who have been retailers in the region for nigh on 200 years. Recently-filed accounts for Torski, the holding group for the Pettitts, show a highly diversified and growing business whose performance may well be a harbinger for economic growth outside the capital.

The Pettitts own six supermarkets in Wexford and surrounding counties, all operating under the SuperValu banner, as well as six hotels, a children’s play centre in Carlow and a farming business.

The latest accounts cover 2014, before the economic recovery had begun in earnest. Even then, however, the Pettitts appear to have been on the front foot.

Sales were up by about 7 per cent to €113 million, and profits held firm at about €1.5 million. The Pettitts own net assets through Torski of about €60 million, although their properties are surely worth far more than their book value. Retained profits come in at about €55 million.

The supermarkets increased sales by just €1 million to €88 million. Where the Pettitts have really been focusing their energies, however, is on the burgeoning hotel sector. More than €14 million was spent on acquisitions and capital investment in 2014, most of it on hospitality businesses.

In 2014 the Pettitts bought properties including the Midleton Park and Oriel House, both in county Cork.

As the broad-based recovery ripples outside the capital, the confidence of families such as the Pettitts to invest heavily in new businesses is hopefully a sign that regional Ireland will soon be on its economic uppers.