Final preparations are under way for the wedding of pop star Andrea Corr and Brett Desmond in Co Clare.

The 35-year-old will marry Mr Desmond, son of billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond, in Doonbeg on Friday.

The couple will hold their lavish star-studded reception at the Doonbeg Golf and Spa Resort. It is thought the couple will marry at the scenic Seafield Church near Quilty.

Two marquees have been erected at Doonbeg in advance of the society wedding, at which U2 are strongly rumoured to perform.

Workers yesterday installed several electrical generators to provide power to the marquees, one of which is located at the rear of the hotel overlooking Doughmore beach.

Security at the resort was tight yesterday with at least two men, thought to be security personnel, keeping a close eye on the carpark. One man used binoculars to monitor the reporters as contractors and hotel staff milled around.

Staff were also reluctant to speak to the media, while one club member confirmed that workers at Doonbeg have been "sworn to secrecy".

Meanwhile, in a letter to each individual last month, management at the exclusive Doonbeg golf club requested members to "stay away" on the day "for security reasons" and to "respect the private function".

Many of the golf club's members paid joining fees in excess of €55,000, but they will not be allowed to play golf on the day.

One member said yesterday: "The letter didn't specify why the course would be closed to us on the day but we know it is because of the Corr wedding. I am not all that put out, to be honest, but I know a lot of members who are really annoyed.

"The public can get within a hundred yards of the hotel on the day so why shouldn't members be allowed access? It would be nice to see what is going on."

Brett Desmond proposed to the popular singer during a trip to Barbados on Christmas Day last year. It is thought her engagement ring cost the stockbroker €70,000.

The couple celebrated their engagement with an extended holiday on the paradise island, staying at the Sandy Lane Resort where rooms can cost as much as €8,000 a night.

Andrea Corr will also be the second member of her famous family to get married in Clare. In July 2001, Sharon Corr married Belfast barrister Gavin Bonner at St John's Church in Cratloe, also in Co Clare.

The couple held their reception at the luxurious five-star Dromoland Castle near Newmarket on Fergus.