Belmullet woman wins 'Best Dressed Lady' at Ballinrobe races

‘Best Dressed Lady’ was awarded to Michelle Manning, of Bellmullet, at the Ballinrobe Ladies Day races, yesterday, Monday, June 22.

Michelle caught the eye of judge Marietta Doran with a two-piece gingham top purchased on Vinted just last week, paired with a cream midi skirt from Poca & Poca.

Her striking hat was a purchase from ‘Not Just Hats' by Caron Hogan in Galway, while her bag and shoes were from Zara.

A personal addition to the outfit was a handcrafted pair of earrings using spare buttons from her top. She completed the look with a treasured gold brooch borrowed from her mother.

Michelle claimed a getaway to The Lodge at Ashford Castle and a €1,000 cash prize. Four stylish finalists also received dinner for two at Wilde's Restaurant at The Lodge.

Mary Davin, of Claregalway, Caithriona King, of Corofin, Aoife Canavan, of Corofin and Fiona Faherty, of Moycullen, each received a dining experience at Wilde’s Restaurant.

Speaking on the win, Michelle expressed her delight and shock.

“I only finished putting the final touches to my outfit last night when I completed the earrings using the spare buttons from my top. The standard today was incredible, and there were so many stylish ladies, so I really wasn't expecting my name to be called.”

She further added that she had a ‘fantastic day’ at Ballinrobe Racecourse and ‘thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere’.

“I’ve had a fantastic day at Ballinrobe Racecourse and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. Winning is the perfect end to a wonderful day, and I can’t wait to visit The Lodge at Ashford Castle and enjoy such an amazing prize," she added.

Judge Marietta Doran said Michelle was a standout from the moment she saw her.

“Her look was effortlessly elegant and timeless, with impeccable attention to detail. Every element of her outfit worked in perfect harmony, from her hat and shoes to her brooch, earrings and sunglasses. She was a truly deserving winner.”

She further extended her congratulations to Michelle, the four other finalists and everyone else who made a ‘tremendous’ effort at the The Ladies Day races.

“The style, glamour and enthusiasm on display were a credit to all involved and helped make it a very special occasion."

General manager at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Peter Fergus, sponsor of Ladies Day in Ballinrobe for the fifth consecutive year, expressed his delight at the sponsorship.

He further expressed his congratulations to Michelle on her victory.

“We were incredibly impressed by the standard of style throughout the racecourse and would like to congratulate all of the finalists and participants who helped make the event such a memorable occasion,” she said.

The next race meetings at Ballinrobe Racecourse will take place on Monday, 20 and Tuesday, 21 July.