Glamour gallops ahead as bookies take a bashing
Hats and high heels were the order of the day as every possible brand of umbrella was raised skywards to fend off the rain from meticulously prepared hair and makeup.
Shyness was not an issue for any of the women and most eagerly pestered photographers for a snap in the hope of making it into the papers. For the males of the species, it has to be said, this was not the worst job in the world.
The overall winner was announced just as the main race of the day got under way on possibly the smallest stage in the world. Journalists and photographers jostled for position to get the best shot. For most of the women thronging the stage, this was the only race worth paying attention to.
Surrounded by women of all ages and tan levels, Carol Kennelly, 36, from Tralee, Co Kerry, was announced as the overall winner.
Looking genuinely surprised, Ms Kennelly, who was attending with her young daughter Rosie, said she comes to Galway every year for Ladies’ Day. The industrious Kerry woman also made both her own hat and her daughter’s.
“I have made lots of hats for different things but this is the first year I made one for myself,” she said.
The hat itself took a remarkable 20 hours of work, sewing what looked like a countless number of feathers. Another remarkable feat of engineering was keeping it dry all afternoon
TV3’s Lorraine Keane, who was one of the judges of the event, was certainly impressed.
“It’s great to see the personal touch. The fact that she made it herself was great. I would have eaten it first rather than sew all those feathers on,” she said.
The Xposé host was pleased with the standard of fashion on show and said most contenders were dressed appropriately.
“We were looking for someone dressed appropriately and accessorised from head to toe. Not everyone was like that — some people were so stiff they were walking around like mannequins. They clearly weren’t comfortable and that’s so important,” she said.
PJ Gibbons, of Social and Personal Magazine and also one of the judges, had some advice for next year’s potential candidates. Arrive early and dress comfortably and you are in with a shout.
“It has nothing to do with age. They should be comfortable with what they are wearing and enjoying the races. That is tremendously important. Get here early so you have a chance of being spotted and enjoy the day,” he recommended.
Celebrities were few and far between, on what was a day for the ordinary punter.
Millionaire Bill Cullen was a guest in the Aer Arann tent discussing his forthcoming trip into space but other than that it was a quiet day for celebrity spotters. Snooker legend Dennis Taylor also put in an appearance.
Rumours of Johnny Depp making an appearance had reporters scampering out into the rain but it proved to be a wild-goose chase.
With spirits high despite the weather, not even complaining bookies could dampen the mood.
