Favourite in a frock
Plucked from thousands of competitors, Jill Macken was declared the best dressed person while enjoying a family day out — and only weeks after finishing her leaving certificate.
Her dress, a cerise and electric blue effort with matching hat and clutch bag, was created by world famous Dublin designers Tyrell and Brennan.
It earned her a €3,000 voucher and an interesting dilemma ahead of her forthcoming school ball.
She said: “I was going to keep it for my debs, now all my friends are going to see so I don’t know what to do, I’ll probably wear it again anyway.
“I wasn’t going to enter it but I was made do it, I didn’t think for a second I was going to win it.”
Despite press attention that would rival film week at Cannes, the Slane girl let it all wash over her as thoughts turned to her father, who missed the day out at the races.
She said: “Unfortunately my dad is in hospital so he couldn’t be here. My mom is here but I haven’t even got to talk to her yet.”
Could her win and the attention from the army of photographers entice her to take up a career in fashion? “No definitely not, I am hoping to get a place in dental technology or hygiene,” she said.
Jill may have been among the youngest of the ladies who were vying for the top prize but she fully appreciated the intensity of the competition. She said “some of the girls were absolutely gorgeous, their outfits were amazing ..... it still hasn’t hit me (the fact that I won)”.
