Rain or shine, Sharon’s native taste is a winner

A fashionista who came prepared for all weathers scooped the best-dressed prize on the penultimate day of Listowel Races yesterday.

Beauty therapist Sharon Heffernan, from Tralee, Co Kerry, looked stunning in a navy and purple combination.

All her purchases were from Kerry fashion houses — acquiring the coat in Coco Boutique in Listowel, a dress from Jasmine in Killarney, and a headpiece by Listowel milliner Aoife Hannon.

The best-dressed lady also bought a matching umbrella but she didn’t need it in the bright sunshine of north Kerry.

“I started with the dress and bought everything around it,” she said.

“When I saw the hat, I knew I was in with a chance.”

Sharon was accompanied by her boyfriend Donal White, a fitness and personal trainer from Tarbert. She received a €2,500 prize, sponsored by Chic Boutique in Listowel.

Runners-up were hairdresser Miriam O’Connor from Listowel and Mary Houlihan, who works locally in McGuire’s Pharmacy.

The judges, Rose of Tralee presenter Dáithí Ó Sé and Limerick model agency owner Celia Holman-Lee, said they faced a difficult task as a large number of women had “turned out looking their best”.

Their efforts helped create a sea of reds, blues, and purples, and lit up the scene amid a massive crowd.

Ms Holman-Lee, who first judged in Listowel 21 years ago, said fashion was getting better and better all the time.

As for judging alongside the charismatic Ó Sé, she quipped: “I felt like the good wife left on her own, as everyone wanted to stand with him for pictures.”

Ó Sé, clearly enjoying himself, thought it was all great fun. “There is far too much doom and gloom in the country,” he said. “All this puts a positive spin on things, especially when Kerry are not in the All-Ireland.”

The 154th Harvest Festival meeting finishes today, and was last night hailed a success, even if the crowds and betting had been slightly down, said race festival chairman Eric Browne, who is also a local bookmaker.

“It’s always a great week and is hugely important for the economy here,” he said. “Most businesses in Listowel don’t pay their rates until after the races.”