Blazing sunshine, tinkling glasses, flirtatious smiles, gloved hands waving, sudden cheers from the crowd as the horses thunder by- and above all, a mass of glorious flamboyant millinery. Thursday was Ladies day at the Galway races, when women from all over Ireland wore extraordinary creations designed to attract the judge’s eyes.
The focus was on silly, witty and perky hats, trimmed with alluring veils, extravagant feathers and colourful ribbons. These hats have one aim and that’s to get the wearer noticed- sleek minimalism, it seems, might frighten the horses.
This year we saw a lot of block colour, simple shapes and midi lenght dresses, with a focus on classic elegance – without yoo much flesh on show – but there could only be one winner.
The stylish winner of the g Hotel Best Dressed event on Ladies Day of the Galway Races was announced as Aoife McCana, a Project Manager from Galway.Noted for her unique style and beautiful silhouette, Aoife has walked away with a prize chest worth over €10k !
Ladies Day is a showcase for the very best of Irish and international design and Ballybrit was once again no exception. Wearing a stunning dress by Ghost, shoes from her travels in Taiwan and a self made head piece and clutch she was unanimously agreed as the esteemed judging panels’ favourite amid 19 other incredibly fashionable finalists.
Worthy runner up, Oniesa Owens was crowned ‘the g Hotel Best Hat’ as she wowed in an ornate piece from Cavan Milliner, Davina Lynch She has sashayed away with prizes valued at over €2k including a two night stay in a Junior Suite at the g Hotel, a Champagne afternoon tea, €100 voucher for Yourells Salon and a specially created spa gift hamper from ESPA at the g to enhance her natural beauty and inner calm.
The task of choosing these deserving winners was expertly tackled by Head Judge, Triona Barrett, General Manager of the g Hotel & Spa, fashion editor of the Irish Independent, Bairbre Power and her celebrity judges; actress Aoibhin Garrihy and TV presenter Baz Ashmawy.
Speaking as the awards were presented in the Parade Ring, Triona Barrett of at the g Hotel & Spa commented, “For the second year running, the luxury 5 star g Hotel & Spa has infused the Galway Races Summer Festival with its renowned brand of style and opulence by hosting ‘the g Hotel Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘the g Hotel Best Hat’ on Ladies Day.
Our winners
Here’s a round up of the some of the best looks from the event
Roisin Nolan at the g Hotel Best Dressed
Aoife O’Sullivan, Bandon, at the g Hotel Best
Verity Lawrence, Kildare, wearing a Michelle Kearns hat at the g Hotel Best Dressed competitions at the Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
Carol Kennelly, Killarney, at the g Hotel Best Dressed competitions at the Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
Milliner Sinead Bohan, Leitrim at the g Hotel Best Dressed competitions at the Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
Celebrity Judge Aoibhn Garrihy at the g Hotel Best Dressed competitions at the Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
Marietta Doran at the g Hotel Best Dressed competitions at the Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure