Stars play it cool as golf event tees off

LIKE a bride on the eve of her nuptials, Adare Manor was last night eager with anticipation, bursting to lay bare her best assets, and arranging and re-arranging her finery for a glorious unveiling today.

Plucked, preened and pruned to perfection, the prestigious hotel and golf resort was in no way overwhelmed by the calibre of stars stalking its greens, slotting in a few practise rounds before today’s formal tee-off.

Billionaire businessmen abounded: down at the driving range Dermot Desmond whacked and thwacked; Michael Smurfit skulked about in dark glasses and straw boater, his cover blown by a rambunctious American who roared “SMURFIT!” as he scurried past.