Victory is in sight for the Doyle family this week after it increased its stake in the Jurys Doyle hotel group to more than 50%.

The Doyle family consortium, JDH Acquisitions, bought Liam Carroll's 8.3% stake for €49.9m (£34m). Jurys Doyle directors have also backed its €18.90 (£13) per share offer for the group.

However, the battle will not be over until major shareholder and builder Sean Dunne reveals plans for his 28% stake.

A JDH spokesman said: "It doesn't matter if Sean Dunne decides to sell or not, as we are happy to have a simple majority."

JDH said a successful bid will ensure the Jurys Doyle group remains in the hotel business.