Sun comes out in time at Killarney races
Elegant Edel Crowley, winner of the Dawn Dairies Queen of Fashion competition, proclaimed herself “surprised and delighted’’ and looked forward to enjoying her prize — a trip for two to Paris.
From Kenmare, Co Kerry, she purchased her strapless, lilac dress specially for the races at Phoenix V Boutique, Maylor St, Cork; her matching lilac hat at Neidin Hats, in her hometown; and her shoes at Nine West, Brown Thomas.
Edel, who works with the Dream Ireland holiday home company, in Kenmare, was accompanied to the races by her sisters, Gina Crowley and Liza Brennan.
Fashion judge and TV3 presenter Glenda Gilson was impressed with standards, remarking on the array of colour, the nice mix of style and, of course, the hats.
“There are some great milliners down here and they were certainly busy in the last few weeks,” she said.
Nor could she help noticing the men — three-piece suits, tweeds, and dickie bows on the younger lads. It would be good idea to have a men’s fashion competition as well, she felt.
Winner of the best hat competition was Tasha O’Connor, Templeglantine, Co Limerick. Her all-red headgear — topped with generous rose designs — was made for the races by Liz O’Sullivan of Marc Millinery, Douglas, Cork.
“I also wore the watch my grandmother gave me for First Communion. I thought it’d might bring me luck,” smiled Tasha, whose husband, PJ O’Connor, is a chicken farmer.
Tasha looked a picture in the 1950s-style matching dress, also with floral design, which she purchased online from Chicwish. Her prize is a trip for two to Milan.
Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh took time out from a busy schedule to judge the hat competition. Since her selection last August, she has travelled extensively as an ambassador for the Tralee festival.
From August to January, she spent every weekend in Ireland and weekdays working in Philadelphia with the fashion brand, Anthropologie.
“The year has opened up opportunities for staying in Ireland,” said Maria, who grew up in Shrule, Co Mayo. “Though nothing is set in stone, I hope to be back in Ireland next year.”
She will be handing over her crown at the end of next month and will be part of a charity run and cycle from Mayo to Tralee, arriving just in time for the glamour rose ball.
Also keeping an eye on the style was Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae, who agreed there should be a men’s competition.
“Young lads, middle-aged lads, and auld lads here today could be on the catwalk in Milan. They’re up with it,’’ declared the flat-capped politician, who appeared in a dark suit and conventional collar and tie.
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