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Irish Times
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Dublin Horse Show Best Dressed day: 91-year-old contestant ‘likes the finer things in life'
At 91 years of age, Philip Brophy from Malahide was probably the oldest contestant at this year's RDS Horse Show 's Best Dressed competition. He donned a blue and white striped linen Louis Copeland suit which he received as a gift for his 90th birthday, the jacket lining adorned with 1950s pin-ups. Underneath, his white sequined waistcoat sparkled, while his blue hat, topped with a large pink feather, sat at a jaunty angle. Philip Brophy (91) from Malahide competing in the 2025 RDS Horse Show Best Dressed day, showing the lining of his suit. Photograph: Niamh Browne 'Philip likes the finer things in life,' says Áine Cryan, who works in the residential home where Brophy lives. On their sixth annual trip, Cryan says, Brophy jumped out of bed at 8am on the day of the horse show. READ MORE 'We wouldn't miss it for the world. He's a man who loves his style. As you can see, he's very sharp,' she says. Spanning almost a 70-year spectrum, both young and old are out in style at the 2025 Best Dressed day. Marian Hassan and Rima Elmazbouh, both aged 22, were first-time attendees at the Dublin Horse Show. The women wore hijabs and found it challenging combining their Best Dressed looks with their head scarves. Rima Elmazbouh and Marian Hassan at the 2025 RDS Horse Show's Best Dressed Day. Photograph: Niamh Browne 'We had to experiment with headbands and hairbands to see what worked, but I think we got it in the end,' says Hassan. 'We knew we were going two months in advance, but the outfits were last minute because I didn't think it would be so challenging to find modest outfits. 'I think we need to put a lot more effort into finding something that has full coverage,' she says, dressed in a blush blue gown from Cos, a matching scarf and a hat from Amazon. 'Most stores – especially in summer – don't have full-length, long-sleeve outfits,' says Elmazbouh, sporting a polka dot black and white number from Mango and a hat that was a charity shop find. 'I didn't realise how extravagant people would go. I love it,' she adds. Ladies' Day veteran Faith Ammond from Milford, Co Carlow. Photograph: Niamh Browne Faith Ammond from Milford, Co Carlow, is a veteran of the Irish Ladies' Day circuit, having won thousands of euro in prize money over the years, as well as a new Land Rover. The former Grand National Ladies' Day winner says: 'I don't think there's any magic or secret to winning Ladies' Day. For me, I go with what suits me.' Ms Ammond wore a Louise Kennedy dress she has had 'for a few years', as well as a custom-made Miriam Nolan gold embroidered coat. Linda Vittone from Meath. Photograph: INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan Joanne Byrne, who works with the communications team at the RDS, grew up just minutes from the venue. She began her career helping with security as an 11-year-old at the Horse Show. 'How an 11-year-old did security I have no idea,' she says, laughing. According to Byrne, the annual Horse Show is special because it is the 'most incredible example of rural meeting urban'. 'You have 1,800 ponies and horses with everything that entails: horse manure, hay, straw, saddles, bridles, all in Dublin 4.' The history of Ladies' Day, Ms Byrne says, is rooted in female solidarity. 'Thursday was always the day at the RDS Horse Show way back where ladies were allowed to compete in the arena, and then other ladies came to support them, but those ladies were dressing up. 'A few years ago, in the spirit of the world we are living in now, it was changed to 'best dressed',' she says. Eva Hayes-Morrissey from Limerick enjoying the RDS Dublin Horse Show. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency Prizes are awarded to the best dressed (€10,000 for this category), sustainability and Irish heritage, best hat and best dressed duo. One pair competing for best dressed duo were Anna Kane and Daniel Hilfeldt. Kane, who is studying at the Institut Français de la Mode in Paris to become a seamstress, made the outfits for her end-of-year project. She made every element, including the dress, waistcoat, jewellery and linen, which alone took 'over 70 hours by hand'. The waistcoat took a comparatively merciful two days to make. Local woman Nadine King took home the €10,000 cash prize after wowing the judges with her 'chic contemporary elegance'. King says she did not have far to travel, being from the Donnybrook side of Herbert Park. 'I literally walk by the RDS every day,' she says. Her Best Dressed debut was inspired by the hydrangea print of her Agua Bendita dress, she says, adding that this is her favourite flower. The hat was from bespoke hat store Ana De Cocó in Bilbao. The fashionista's plans for the winnings are much less sartorial, however: 'I haven't even thought of it yet! Maybe I might look at fixing the leaky roof of my house.' Jay Tourisch from Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Photograph: Lorraine O'Sullivan/INPHO Jane Bowe with Anne-Marie and Lydia Sealey, from Dublin and London, enjoying Ladies' Day at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency Kathy Langley, a milliner from Co Tipperary, with Linda Vittone, from Co Meath, enjoying Ladies' Day at the RDS. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency Celia Holman-Lee, from Limerick, at Ladies' Day at Dublin Horse Show. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency Breda Butler from Tipperary with Aine Malone from Offaly enjoying Ladies' Day at the RDS. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency Nadine King from Donnybrook, winner of the Best Dressed competition at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins Photo Agency
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Dublin woman crowned best dressed at Dublin Horse Show 2025
Nadine King from Dublin has been crowned this year's 'Best Dressed' at The RDS Dublin Horse Show, beating out over 420 other entries. One of the most exciting sporting and social events on Ireland's summer calendar, the Horse Show has once again returned to the grounds of the RDS, running from 6-10 August. The show's annual Ladies Day was held today, 7 August, with the 'Best Dressed' competition taking place on the beautiful Band Lawn. Judged by Bairbre Power and Porreti Ireland judge Aoife McNamara, this year's winner was Nadine King from Donnybrook, Co. Dublin, who walked away with an incredible €10,000 cash prize from Porreti. Nadine wore a hat by AnedeCoco, earrings by One Dame Lane, choker by Costume in Castle Market Dublin 2, a dress by Agua Bendita, a Colombian sustainable clothing brand, and a bag by Loewe and shoes by Zara. Speaking about her win, Nadine said: "It is mind-blowing, I manifested this! When I saw this beautiful dress I just thought it would be so perfect. I love getting dressed up, I love fashion and I am just absolutely thrilled." Speaking on the winning look, the judges said: "When you looked at Nadine, straight away you just saw elegance, comfort, and even sustainability with pieces that were borrowed – she had something that was new and something that was old! For me, she ticked every single box." The runner-up in the Best Dressed category was Janette Kelly from Galway, who walked away with a luxurious package including two nights B&B at the 5-star Morrison Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and two nights B&B at The Trafalgar St. James, Curio Collection by Hilton, along with a €100 airline voucher. Janette wore a two-piece dress with detachable cape by Roisin Linnane, hat by Edel Ramberg and accessories by a local boutique in Wexford. The look was chosen by the judges for its colour and silhouette, they said it was "so elegant, so chic". Speaking about her win, Janette said: I'm just so honoured to have been asked on stage, it's amazing. I'm having an amazing day!" The Best Hat category, sponsored by Ireland's Blue Book, was won by Maritess McCarthy, who received a €,2000 voucher offering unparalleled opportunities for unique stays and fine dining experiences across Ireland's most charming properties. Maritess wore a hat by Sinead McKenna Millinery. The judges described the winning hat as "funky and quirky," with Bairbre adding: "I spotted her first because of her incredible skirt made with Filipino fabric, and after I followed it through the crowd, the hat was just beautiful, like a satellite!" A new category for this year, the Irish Heritage & Sustainability Style Award, sponsored by Jack Murphy, was won by Danielle Crowley from Galway, while the 'Best Dressed Duo', sponsored by Cashel Palace Hotel, was won by Gillian and Raymond Gilbourne from Cork.
Irish Independent
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Britain's Princess Anne visits President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin
The princess royal (74) wore a mint green coat and navy pencil skirt as she shook hands with President Higgins and his wife, Sabina. Princess Anne signed the visitors' book and told Mr Higgins: 'I don't want to waste the whole page,' at which Mrs Higgins responded: 'You deserve a whole page.' The princess, who is in Ireland to attend the Dublin Horse Show, said the weather was warmer than she had expected. Spotting a horse badge on his visitor's lapel, President Higgins said the jewellery was very appropriate. Princess Anne joked with President Higgins that he had been in Áras an Uachtaráin 'a long time'. He responded: 'Indeed, it had been 14 years'. 'You spend all your time here?' she asked, to which Sabina responded: 'All our time.' This is expected to be President Higgins' final engagement with the British royal family before he leaves office. The visit marks a renewed relationship between Ireland and the UK, with the two countries becoming closer since Keir Starmer's Labour government was elected last year. Princess Anne last visited Ireland in 2004. King Charles' sister will later attend the opening day of the 150th Dublin Horse Show at the RDS. In a statement following their meeting, President Higgins said: "It was a pleasure to renew my conversations with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, and to recognise the significant contribution which she has made over so many years to the relationship between our two countries. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "I was also pleased to recognise the contribution which The Princess Royal has made to equestrian sports over the years as well as to related learning and therapy services. "I further took the opportunity to extend my best wishes to His Majesty King Charles and to recall his unwavering support for peace and reconciliation." During he rvisit, Anne will tour a special exhibition on the history of the Horse Show and meet representatives from Festina Lente - a Bray-based charity offering equine-assisted learning and therapy services - and the Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland. The princess, who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in the equestrian three-day event, will also present rosettes to the winners in Class 20 of the Small Hunters competition. The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, said: "The Princess Royal's visit underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the significance of the 150th holding of the RDS Dublin Horse Show. "Her Royal Highness has visited Ireland on many occasions, including as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for their biannual Six Nations games here. "Her visit this week reflects her lifelong interest in equestrianism and charitable work." President Higgins has had significant interaction with the royal family over the course of his two terms. In 2014, he became the first President of Ireland to make a State Visit to the United Kingdom, reciprocating the State Visit made by Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011. Anne visited the Áras in February 2004 during engagements where she was greeted by then-Irish President Mary McAleese. The princess was accompanied on that private visit by the British ambassador to Ireland at the time, Stewart Eldon. Members of the royal family have visited the president's residence on several occasions, including the historic trip by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2011. She was the first monarch to visit the Republic, where she signed a guest book at the Aras and planted an English oak tree at the Peace Bell. Her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, made solo visits to Aras an Uachtarain in November 1998 and again in April 2006. During their three-day visit to the Republic in 2020, the Prince and Princess of Wales - then titled the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - had a tea party with President Higgins and his wife at the Aras and met one of the president's dogs, Bród.
Extra.ie
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Ali Keating reveals 'delight' at taking reigns of mum's horse
Showjumper Ali Keating said she is 'delighted' to be taking the reins of her mother's prized pony as she gears up for the Dublin Horse Show. Ali, 19, the youngest daughter of Ronan and Yvonne Keating, was speaking as she prepares to appear at the RDS on her mother's 'favourite child' Captain next month. She told 'This is my third year competing in the Dublin Horse Show. I first did it when I was 12 or 13, then I was in it in 2023, and I am back again this year with Captain. Ali Keating. Pic: Evan Doherty 'Captain is mom's horse. We got Captain in 2022 for mom, and then I just took over the reins a little bit to compete with him.' An accomplished rider herself, Yvonne now prefers trotting out on her pony in the countryside rather than entering the competitive showjumping arena. 'Mom gets to ride Captain out in the winter, which she prefers. So it is lovely for me to be able to take over the reins from her,' added Ali 'Captain is special, just because he's mom's horse, he's like the miracle child. He's the favourite child,' she laughed. 'Like me, Missy and Jack, we don't get a look in. Captain is mom's baby. Ali Keating. Pic: Evan Doherty 'So to get to show him and to get to jump him is incredible.' Ali said excitement is building in the Keating household ahead of the RDS Horse Show, which takes place this year between August 6 and August 10. 'It's very exciting. It's what we all look forward to. I mean, I'm not looking forward to going on holiday; I'm just looking forward to Horse Show week. And because it's every year, we get to see everyone there, and the whole equestrian community comes together.' In addition to preparing for the prestigious equestrian event, Ali is also preparing to enter her third year at Maynooth University, where she studies psychology and criminology. 'I am probably looking more into the sports psychology side of it, dealing with the riders, because it is a very mentally and physically draining sport. 'There are such highs, but there are also extreme lows. It is blood, sweat and tears. I've seen it myself first-hand – what it can take to get out here on those days when you just feel like you're wondering why you're even doing it. 'You're questioning the early mornings, the late nights, the freezing cold, the rain. But then, you know, you come to the Dublin Horse Show. 'We spend money and time and do everything for the horses. And it can all come crumbling down within a few hours. It is mentally a tough sport, but we all love it, and that's why we're all still doing it.'
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Rawtenstall amateur thrilled to earn Horse of the Year Show place
An amateur rider from Lancashire said she was "over the moon" to have qualified for one of Britain's biggest horse Jones and Height End's Quiet Man - nicknamed Blaze - will compete at October's Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in a traditional gypsy cob, was runner-up in the SEIB Search for a Star competition which offers amateur riders the opportunity to compete at the prestigious annual Jones, from Rawtenstall, said she and Blaze had "worked really hard" since they missed out on qualification last year by only one place. 'Not a one-trick pony' Ms Jones, 31, has owned Blaze for seven years since he was said: "When you're involved in the showing world, HOYS is the biggest and best that you can aim for, so we were over the moon when he qualified."The event, which has been running since 1949, is the finale to the showing year and is held at the NEC in secure a prized spot, Ms Jones and Blaze had to take part in five shows with 20-25 people in each said it was "just incredible" to have qualified."I keep Blaze at home on our working farm, so we put in as much practice as we can," she said."You spend masses of time with them with the training, and you've got to trust them as much as they trust you, so there's a massive bond there."Ms Jones said Blaze was "essentially what people would imagine - a strong, thickset, sturdy pony".She added: "They usually pull the bow-top wagons - which he also does - to and from Appleby Horse Fair as carthorses."They're very much a farmer's type horse but they can turn to anything - they're a really versatile breed and people have realised they're not just a one-trick pony!" Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
