Ms Ireland turns style queen

THERE was an “oh my god” moment for Tipperary town woman, Yvonne Ellard, when she won the top fashion prize at the Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show yesterday.

A former Miss Ireland, she was chosen from more than 500 entries by couturier, Synan O’Mahony and actress Amy Huberman.

“Stylish and timely,” was how Amy, wife of rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll, described the outfit worn by 31-year old Yvonne, who now resides in Donnybrook, Dublin, and works in marketing and public relations.

The winning outfit was a silver and grey patterned creation accessorised with a feathered black hat.

“I am over the moon. I am absolutely shocked,” said Yvonne, after being presented with her prize of a trip for two to San Francisco and Los Angeles worth €10,000.

The most colourful outfit award, a Longines watch worth €3,000, went to Laoise Hughes, Kilcullen, Co Kildare.

Highly commended prizes of €500 vouchers each from Arnotts were presented to Dublin ladies Miriam Keane, Terenure, and Searon McGrattan, Donnybrook.

Paul Morrissey, Castletroy, Co Limerick, best-dressed male; and Michelle Foleu, Nottingham, England, most creative hat; were also each presented with €500 Arnotts vouchers.

Aisling O’Loughlin was the MC for the fashion extravaganza on the bandstand in the RDS grounds, watched by hundreds of people.

Today, the focus of the show will switch to the pageantry of the Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup competition for the Aga Khan Trophy. Nine teams will be in contention.