On a Monday evening, they take time out to research a new beverage. They are a dedicated bunch in the hotel and catering business. Greater dedication hath no man or woman. It is a balmy evening. Meeting on the sixth floor balcony of the Clarion Hotel, we look out over the River Liffey and south Dublin, contemplating life and all its funny vagaries and vicissitudes. Ah, me-oh-my.
Carrying out vital research for the Conrad Hotel are David Crowley and David Bryan. They mention the new glass canopy over the Conrad's entrance, which will shortly be completed. It will be a great occasion, no doubt.
Una Butler, from the Morrison Hotel, is here too. To help us all relax, Laura Hilliard and Geraldine Nolan, of Dublin's Walmer College, massage away our worries.
Designer Ian Harper is on a short visit from London, chatting to John Cooke, owner of Cooke's breads and restaurants, about a planned revamp of his flagship cafΘ on South William Street in a couple of months' time.
Caroline Morahan, who presents The Fame Game on Network 2, is here with her friend, Conall Murtagh, from Esat Digifone.
Tracy Atherton, marketing manager of Absolut Vodka, is overseeing the birth of the drink's latest flavour, mandarin, along with her partner, Christopher Louca. Everything is going smoothly.
Patricia Murray, pyschologist at the Health and Safety Authority, who is responsible for dealing with the nation's stress levels at work, is here investigating the merits of the Swedish drink and a massage. The mental health of the nation is in safe hands.