In another sign that things are picking up, the Mayo Association hosts its annual lunch in the Dublin 4's Four Seasons today.

The shindig is always well attended, but word reaches us all 490 tickets for the event sold out two weeks ago, and people have had to be turned away.

Guest speaker this year is Limerick man Michael Noonan, the Minister for Finance.

Carmel Heaney, chairwoman of the Mayo Association, said that speakers don't reveal what they plan to discuss in advance – "It is completely open territory."

Chances are it will relate to the economic recovery but whether it will stray into trickier areas like water charges remains to be seen.

Mayo audience

In the audience will be the Mayo and the-want-to-be- Mayo great-and-the-good, including representatives from

Mason Hayes

&

Curran

,

Cosgrove Gaynard

Solicitors, Hibernia College and Sammin Engineering.

Fishing campaigner and angling enthusiast John Walkin, this year's Mayo person of the year, will also be attending, as will the well- known builder from Bohala, Bill Durkan, founder of the Durkan Group, who is also a previous winner of the person of the year gong.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, a winner in 2012, may also pop in to what promises to be an informative and entertaining lunch.