Pubs in Ballyfermot in Dublin are thanking X Factor star Mary Byrne for helping them defy the recession with a massive boom in weekend business.

Jonathon Boylan, who has worked in Downey's pub for 20 years, said the venue had been packed to capacity every weekend since the show began.

"Those times on Saturday and Sunday nights would never normally be so busy but she is definitely bringing a huge crowd in.

"The only thing that I could possibly compare it to is the atmosphere when the World Cup is on. There is that tension and excitement, the same thing where we have people screaming at the TV – there is total uproar."

Boylan said Byrne's workmates had their own section in the pub. He added that there was intense competition among pubs in the area to lure the X Factor crowds.

Dean Elliot of Foster's pub said it was running promotions to entice fans. "It would normally be a very quiet time for us but there has been a massive boom in sales on weekend evenings because of Mary. We have promotions on beers and other drinks to keep the surge up."