Birds of a feather frock together for fashion stakes

BIRDS of paradise, exotic orchids, flora bunda - in the scented surrounds of Anthony Ryan’s marquee they gathered, one more lovely than the next.

A hothouse of flowers, they arranged themselves prettily for the judges, the ladies who put themselves forward as the Galway Races’ best-dressed.

Be-feathered, be-flowered and bedecked, they twirled and pirouetted, a riot of colourful couture. The judges were all in a dither, as hard-pushed to pick a winner as the punters out on the track. Finally, the announcement came in tandem with starter’s orders for the Guinness Galway Hurdle.

First up to the podium was 36-year-old Bridget Asonye, originally from Nigeria, but now living in Galway, winner of the new international fashion category. Ms Asonye was resplendent in traditional Nigerian gown topped off with a cerise pink gele (traditional headwear), shot through with gold.

Áine Lally, 26, a TG4 reporter, from Spiddal, Co Galway, was a head above the rest. A delicately sculpted black headpiece, shaped not unlike a walnut whirl, with a jaunty feather, and designed by Bridget Higgins in Galway, garnered her a weekend for two in Boston for winner of Best Hat.

Liz Mangan, 35, an Aer Lingus air hostess, from Dooradoyle, Co Limerick, was runner-up in the best dressed person stakes.

A Sue Wong dress, accessorised with cerise pink shoes, hat and bag, earned her €1,500 in fashion vouchers.

Last up, but in first, was 37-year-old Mary Kelly, from Knocknacarra, Co Galway, who manages a petrol store and whose fashion sense won her a similar title in Fairyhouse four years ago. Luscious in a lilac floral dress and coat, with scalloped, lace-trimmed hem and sleeves, purchased in Monet Boutique in Loughrea, she was ecstatic with her €3,000 fashion voucher win.

“I always make an effort but to win in Galway is just everything to me,” a thrilled Mary said. Nowhere in sight was carpenter John Coleman, from Tuam, winner of best dressed man. Rumour had it he bolted in time for the Guinness Galway Hurdle, in search of a filly not blinkered by fashion.