Limerick lady's style shines through the fog at Naas Racecourse
THICK fog descended on Naas Racecourse this Sunday with the high-class card postponed due to poor visibility but Mary Woulfe's style was still clear for all to see as she won the best dressed competition.
Ms Woulfe, from Athea, was was chosen by stylist, influencer and model agency boss, Mandy Maher, together with model and fashion influencer, Sarah McDermott.
Ms Woulfe won a €2,000 gift card for Frasers, department store at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, a two-night stay in a luxurious suite at Lawlor's of Naas Town Centre Hotel, dinner in Vi’s Restaurant and afternoon tea.
There was also €100 Frasers gift cards and afternoon tea at Lawlor’s Hotel up for grabs for the runners-up Áine Malone from Edenderry and Breda Butler from Thurles.
The three finalists were interviewed on stage by MC Aileen O’Brien. It transpired that Ms Woulfe had in fact bought her preowned Zara boucle wine and gold looped yarn trouser suit from one of the finalists, Breda Butler, via Racewear and Wedding Guest Wear for Sale, a Facebook page where ladies can buy and sell pre-loved garments.
“I can’t believe it,” Ms Woulfe exclaimed.
"I bought this outfit from Breda and only decided at the last minute to come!”
It was a spur of the moment decision to jump in the van to go racing in Naas with her nephew Brian.
Ms Woulfe’s hat was by Siobhan Boyce Millinery from Newcastle West; her faux fur stole was reimagined from an old coat and was finished with a gold toned jewelled brooch. She finished her look with wine drop earrings from Imari Edit Boutique in Listowel. The final touches were a gold clutch from her friend Tasha O’Connor, purple leather gloves and Lodi gold shoes.
Mandy Maher said: “What a brilliant day, it was so much fun. We are thrilled for Mary, she was so elegant, and her bubbly personality matched her sparkling outfit!"
Niamh Byrne, marketing manager of Naas Racecourse said: "It was disappointing not to be able to proceed with the racing due to the fog, but we are looking forward to it going ahead now this Friday and are delighted to say that there will be free entry for all patrons on the day."
She went on to thank the fashion sponsors Frasers of Whitewater Shopping Centre and Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel and said, “Despite the racing not going ahead we were delighted to still have been able to run the fashion competition as there was a huge crowd of people dressed up for the occasion”.
The card, which was due to feature the high-class Grade One Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle, is now set to run on Friday, January 12.