Little things

Last weekend saw the two Desmonds - Dermot and Denis (no relation) - hosting large parties of a differing kind.

Wealthy financier Dermot Desmond celebrated his 60th birthday in Waterville, Co Kerry, where he competed in a father and son golf competition.

Sources say Dermot teed up with son Brett, who is married to musician Andrea Corr.

As a little memento, participants were given tees with "Dermot is 60" written on them (see photograph on right).

Desmond and his guests are believed to have carried on the celebrations at the four-star Butler Arms Hotel, which has played host to Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin and Bob Hope down the years.

Denis, meanwhile, hosted a summer party at his house in Killiney, Co Dublin.

Property developer Seán Dunne was spotted there along with American country singer Kris Kristofferson.

Who better than the Nashville veteran to help concert promoter Desmond make it through the night?

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The focus on austerity in the UK is having a positive spin-off for Jurys Inns, the Irish budget hotel chain.

Government departments including the NHS, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and the Department of Education have recently been lodging executives and civil servants in Jurys Inns.

The Liberal Democrats also chose Jurys Inns Liverpool as its main conference hotel.

This is thought to be the first time a party in government will not use a four or five-star hotel as its official conference base.

Jurys Dublin-based chief executive John Brennan said: "The Liberal Democrats have made a wise choice in Jurys Inn, we strive to make our hotels an exceptional everyday experience."

Brennan said Jurys has recorded a 20 per cent increase on online corporate bookings over the past six months, including from blue chips such as HSBC and Santander.

"The company is in an excellent position to capitalise on this trend," Brennan added.