Managing director at Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth, beat off stiff competition to claim the winning title, saying that he is “delighted to take the crowning glory”.

The lobby refurbishment is one part of an “exciting transformation” process; from January 6 to May 9 this year, the hotel’s ground floor is undergoing a renovation.

Shane Clarke, director of operations for the VQ, explained that the VQ had advised the council that contractors should seal the surfaces before opening it to the public, so oils or grease don’t penetrate the porous stone.

The project is aimed at improving the reliability and journey times of bus services and providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure

The project is now in the final phases of delivery and works are anticipated to be fully complete before the end of the year.

Speaking to The Echo at the protest, local resident, Hugh Lorigan, said residents would not be opposed to a bus lane if the car traffic was reduced to one lane on the hill.

Oisin Barrett of 5 Points got the butter of his competitors, winning this year's pancake race with a flipping great time.

The bus operator director said the plans will have a serious impact on the connectivity of the bus service.

Husband and wife duo Trudy Ahern and Seán Gargano are set to open MacCurtain Wine Cellar later this month.