01-08-2025
Galway girl proves best in the West with Ladies' Day triumph
The Ladies' Day judges lost their hearts to a Galway girl on Thursday as one of their own was crowned Best Dressed at the race meet.
Megan Cunniss is taking home the €10,000 cash prize for her stylish efforts, after impressing judges Mandy Maher, Lisa McGowan and Niamh Ryan of Ella & Jo Cosmetics.
'I just can't believe it. I am ecstatic. I'm from Galway so this means so much to me,' Megan said as her name was announced by MC Marietta Doran. Megan Cunniss, from Co Galway, who was crowned winner of the Ella & Jo Best Lady Competition on Ladies Day at the Galway Races Summer Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Megan opted for classic elegance, wowing in a head-turning, Audrey Hepburn-style dress.
She wanted a simple, timeless look with a modern twist, so she added details like buttons and a minimum waist belt.
And the sleeveless dress, which was made in France and tailored in Galway, struck the perfect balance between sophistication and glamour. Head judge Mandy Maher, guest judge Lisa McGowan and judge Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo, at Ladies Day featuring the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Lady Competition at the Galway Races Summer Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Megan's white and black hat was from Millinery by Mairéad, and she elevated the look with a bow detail crafted from a black sheet.
Her bag was hired from Mála Hire, a luxury bag rental service, her lacey black gloves were an Amazon purchase, and her black and white heels were from Zara. Breda Butler, from Thurles, Co Tipperary, who was named winner of the Best Hat, at Ladies Day of the Galway Races Summer Festival, sponsored by Ella & Jo. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Speaking about the Best Dressed competition, judge Mandy Maher said: 'The creativity we saw today was off the charts.'
Breda Butler from Thurles, Co. Tipperary, scooped the prize for Best Hat, winning a €3,000 cash prize. Her beautiful blue hat was a standout piece by Michelle Kearns.
Breda is no stranger to the races, and in May 2023, won Best Dressed at the Curragh Summer Racing Style Awards at the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival.
