Blooming beauties proud as peacocks
The large amount of feathers that adorned the ample headgear on show took a bit of plucking, as colourful hats dominated the scene on Ladies’ Day, with womenfolk coming out in all their finery.
Experienced judges of the fashion competition, former Miss World Rosanna Davidson and Limerick model agency owner Celia Holman Lee, said they had a difficult task.
“Irish women are definitely becoming more fashion conscious and, of course, there are more boutiques everywhere.
International influences are also apparent,’’ said the elegant Ms Davidson.
Ms Holman Lee, who has been judging in Killarney for many years, said the turnout was absolutely superb.
“I don’t know where they all came out of with such a stunning array of hats I’ve been to the Derby at the Curragh and the Dubai Desert Classic, but this is something else altogether. Hats are blooming today,’’ she added.
Mother-of-two Pauline Fitzgerald Hanafin, from Kilcummin, Killarney, was chosen as the Dawn Dairies’ Queen of Fashion.
She stood out in a brown and amber two-piece outfit, with a floral motif and, yes, a multi-coloured hat.
Pauline, who was accompanied by her husband Brian, purchased her outfit especially for the races at Whisper’s Boutique, Tralee, owned by Norma O’Donoghue, who won the same competition in Killarney five years ago.
‘’I can’t believe this at all. I’m just thrilled and shocked,’’ said Pauline, who works at Quill’s Woollen Market, Killarney.
Her prize is a weekend trip for two to Paris.
Runners-up were Ava Hayes, Castletroy, Limerick, and Paula Kavanagh, Killarney.
The fashion competition brought the curtain down on a successful four-day holiday meeting in Killarney, which was blessed by splendid weather.
Crowds were up each day and race company general manager John Looney said new developments at the track were paying dividends.
“We’re laying on more facilities, so that people can enjoy themselves better,” he said.
