Vintage glamour meets modern elegance at Mayo racecourse

A standout sense of style and a personal touch of vintage flair saw Liz Maher from Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, crowned best dressed lady at The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Monday evening.

Returning to Ballinrobe for the first time in 40 years, Liz wowed the judge with her vibrant and elegant ensemble, earning herself a luxurious getaway to The Lodge at Ashford Castle and a €1,000 cash prize.

Four stylish finalists also received a dinner for two at Wilde’s Restaurant at The Lodge.

Liz’s winning look was a standout in lime green, featuring a timeless Julie Caulfield coat paired with a Cathriona King headpiece. Her shoes – a vintage gem bought over two decades ago in Quills, Killarney – added a sentimental touch, while a chic handbag from Kildare Village and rose-tinted sunglasses completed the picture-perfect outfit.

Sharing her joy, Liz said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have won best dressed at Ballinrobe. It’s such a special event, and there was so much incredible style on show. I feel honoured to be chosen. I was last here 40 years ago and to win best dressed on my return was truly special.”

Judge Caoimhe McGinley said she thoroughly enjoyed her first visit to Ballinrobe and her debut as a Ladies Day judge.

She stated: “This was my first visit to Ballinrobe and my debut experience judging a Ladies Day competition, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The standard of style was incredibly high, which made narrowing it down to just five finalists a real challenge.

“Liz’s outfit stood out for me with a look that was both timeless and elegant. Her personality really shone through in the details, especially the colour of the outfit and how her shoes were over 20 years old. She looked absolutely stunning and wore the outfit with confidence.”

Peter Fergus, general manager of The Lodge at Ashford Castle, commented: “The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day at Ballinrobe continues to grow in popularity each year, and this evening was no exception. We are proud to support this wonderful event for the fourth year running and to see the community come together in such style.

“Congratulations to Liz on a very well-deserved win. We’re looking forward to welcoming her to The Lodge at Ashford Castle for a truly special experience.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse manager, added: “Ladies Day at Ballinrobe is always a standout social occasion on our calendar, adding a vibrant and fashionable dimension to the raceday. I’d like to thank The Lodge at Ashford Castle for their continued partnership and their presence here today.

“Thanks also to Caoimhe McGinley for lending her eye and expertise as judge, and of course, congratulations to our very deserving winner, Liz, and to all who took part.”

The four runners-up, each receiving a dining experience at Wilde’s Restaurant, were: Veronica Walsh, Co. Meath; Mary Thabe, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo; Fiona Faherty, Moycullen, Co. Galway; and Eliana Maibem, Headford, Co. Galway.

The next race meetings at Ballinrobe Racecourse will take place on Monday and Tuesday, July 21 and 22.