PHOTOS: Kildare lady among the finalists for Most Stylish prize at Galway Races
Anne Marie was beautifully vibrant wearing a patterned blue and lime green coat dress complemented beautifully by an elegant spearmint side sitting bow band with detachable veil created by Galway Milliner Edel Ramberg which Anne Marie hired through her own designer hat and accessories hire business Hats Amore.
Kildare Lady Anne Marie Dunning from Newbridge was chosen as one of five Finalists for
‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre at the Galway Races. Anne Marie
was beautifully vibrant wearing a patterned blue and lime green coat dress complemented
beautifully by an elegant spearmint side sitting bow band with detachable veil created by
Galway Milliner Edel Ramberg which Anne Marie hired through her own designer hat and
accessories hire business Hats Amore.
Winner of the overall prize was Secondary School Teacher from Sandymount, Dublin Eimear
Mahon. Wearing a spotted structured skirt suit from Rocio which is rented from her own
clothing AND headpiece rental business completelook.ie Eimear elevated her look with gold
shoes from Penneys, a handbag from Next and earrings from H&M. She completed her race
going outfit with a cream boater hat designed and made by Millinery by Mairead who is
based in Northern Ireland. The easy elegance of her outfit perfectly complemented Friday
Summer evening racing in Ballybrit. One of the key reasons Eimear was chosen as winner of
Athlone Towncentre ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ was due to the way she created a wholly
individual look incorporating pieces from high street stores and independent designers
which are reflective of the variety of retailers housed in Athlone Towncentre.
Eimear takes home the biggest Prize Fund on offer for the competition yet, which is worth in
excess of €4000. She has won a €2000 Athlone Towncentre Gift Card, a luxury two night
break in the four star Sheraton Athlone Hotel in a Deluxe Tower Room with dinner & spa
treatments and an exquisite white gold diamond pendant courtesy of Fields The Jewellers,
who are one of the many retailers located in Athlone Towncentre.
‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ has proven to be one of the biggest gatherings of race going fashion
lovers to date on the Friday of the Festival. Celebrity Judges Louise Cantillon, TV & Radio
Broadcaster and Marietta Doran, Fashion Stylist & Racing Style Presenter were joined by
Shirley Delahunt, Manager of Athlone Towncentre. With the competition in its twelfth year,
the spotlight has been on fashion forward style mirrored by the contemporary retailers
resident in Athlone Towncentre.
Speaking about her delight at being announced as winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’
sponsored by Athlone Towncentre, Secondary School Teacher and new business owner
Eimear said “I was absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the winner this evening. I
first saw this outfit on a Spanish website. I thought it was very quirky & fun yet had the
relaxed feel racing in Galway on a Friday always has. My rental business completelook.ie is
only up and running in the last seven weeks. I wanted somewhere women could see full
outfits together from headpieces to dresses that work as complete looks. It is a one stop
shop for womens event wear. This win is extra special as I met my husband at the Galway
Races seven years ago. We now have a gorgeous fourteen month old boy Frankie who I am
looking forward to going home to after the wonderful excitement of today!”
Marietta was confident in the winning choice stating “Eimear was one of the first ladies I
saw when I came into the racecourse today. She was a standout for me. I thought it was
the most beautiful outfit. It is an outfit I have never seen before. It is fun with a vintage feel.
Eimear’s combination of high street and independent designers while keeping fashion
circular with the piece being rented shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to be stylish.
She epitomises everything Athlone Towncentre Friday’s Most Stylish is all about ”
Louise was delighted with her choice of Eimear as the winner saying “Eimear was my choice
today as she looked really unique yet really comfortable. She showed her personality while
being effortlessly stylish and chic. I absolutely loved her look. I wanted to take it and wear it
myself! .”
Athlone Towncentre Manager Shirley Delahunt says “we are thrilled to see another
deserving winner of this year’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ competition. The decision of choosing
a winner proved to be highly challenging with so many beautiful looks worn by women
enjoying this evening’s Racing in Galway. Eimear has demonstrated that racing style is more
about reflecting ones’ individual personality and love of style as opposed to spending an
exorbitant amount of money on clothing one cannot wear more than a handful of times.
Friday evening of race week is a highlight in the calendars of stylish race goers from far &
wide. We have seen a real evolution of style at the races over the last number of years
which perfectly complements the high street stores and boutiques we house in Athlone
Towncentre.”
Social Media fans can check out behind the scenes action on the Athlone Towncentre
Facebook and Instagram accounts. Viewers have exclusive access to style around the
racecourse as was seen throughout the day.
Talking about Friday’s Festival meet, Michael Moloney, General Manager of Galway
Racecourse said “the Friday of our seven day Festival has grown from strength to strength.
Style competitions at Galway Racecourse such as ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by
Athlone Towncentre add to the excitement and enjoyment of the day. Advance ticket sales
were very strong again this year, proving its huge appeal and popularity.”
Athlone Towncentre is home to major fashion brands including Zara, River Island and H&M
as well as boutique businesses. It is an ideal shopping destination with top brands and
numerous food offerings under one roof catering to all tastes.