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The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ex-RTE Home of the Year star pays tribute to ‘glamorous' mum who died of cancer after winning Punchestown Best Dressed
A FORMER winner of RTE's Home of the Year was named overall Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival - and dedicated it to her late mum. Ciara Denvir from Belfast was crowned overall winner on day four of the festival on Friday. Advertisement 2 Ciara Denvir from Belfast the Overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival Credit: Michael Chester 2 The origins of her outfit ranged from Ireland, the UK, Italy, and Romania Credit: Michael Chester Denvir, who won Home of the Year in 2019 alongside husband Peter Boyle , wowed in a polka dot blouse from Coosy Studio in Spain. She added this to a black skirt from ATU Body Couture in Romania and a pair of green shoes from Prada. Her black bag is from Irish designer August Night, while her hat came from Awon Golding which is based in London. As prize for her victory, Denvir won a trip to the Bollinger Estate in France's stunning Champagne region. Advertisement Read More on Punchestown The trip will involve a five-star Paris hotel, Michelin dining experience, flights and more. She dedicated the accolade to her mum who died from cancer 18 months ago and who Ciara described as "always glamorous". The big race on day four of the Festival was the Bollinger Champion Hurdle. Advertisement Most read in Sport It promised a Constitution Hill was looking to gain redemption after a pair of devastating falls at Cheltenham and Aintree. Shocking moment jockey is hit in the head after horse crashes into railings in chaotic race at Punchestown Festival But it was State Man who romped home to a dominant victory to bag a hat-trick of Champion Hurdles. Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace outbattled Kargese to finish second but four and three quarter lengths behind the easy winner. Advertisement And trainer Willie Mullins praised his horse for getting the job done. He told Racing TV: "The Constitution Hill that we all know didn't turn up today. "Our fella did the job and did it well and he beat another Champion Hurdle winner. "The cheekpieces help him concentrate in front and have made a big difference. Advertisement "He doesn't have to make the running – he's versatile and very uncomplicated in that sense. "That will be him for the season and hopefully we can get him back in the same form next season. "Paul [Townend] is his biggest fan and has never wavered in his belief in him."
Extra.ie
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Home of the Year winner wins again as Best Dressed at Punchestown
A former Home of the Year winner is winning once again, this time taking the title of overall Best Dressed at the 2025 Punchestown Festival. Belfast woman Ciara Denvir stole the show in a stunning black and white ensemble. The sun was once again shining as crowds of eager revellers packed into Punchestown for the fourth day of the racing festival. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester And it was a very lucky day for Ciara, who had never been to the races before this week. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester Speaking to EVOKE following her win, she revealed that she picked up her gorgeous hat from Awon Golding, a millinery based in London. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester Her shoes are from Prada, while the stunning polka dot blouse was acquired from Coosy Studio in Spain. Meanwhile, Ciara's black skirt was a purchase from Romania's ATU Body Couture, meaning the outfit is from across the world. This is the second big win for Ciara in the last number of years, as she and husband Peter Boyle were crowned the winners of the popular RTE show Home of the Year in 2019.
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Best Dressed winner steals the show in yellow at Punchestown
Crowds of eager revellers packed into Punchestown for the third day of the racing festival. The glamour didn't slow down as the ladies dressed to impress for Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day. It was all about stamina in the feature race as Teahupoo claimed a thrilling victory for jockey Sam Ewing and trainer Gordon Elliott. Maria Osborne who was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition continued on day three of the festival. Thursday's winner was Maria Osborne, from Co Kildare. Maria Osborne who was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. Maria will join Genevieve Ryan and Oniesa Owens in the finale of the competition at Ladies Day on Friday. Finalists at the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. A once-in-a-lifetime getaway to the Bollinger Estate in France's Champagne region, complete with five-star accommodation in Paris, a Michelin-star dining experience and return flights awaits the winner. Check out all the style from Day Three at the Punchestown Festival below: The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. Cleo Knight and Davina Knight. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Meaghan D'Souza. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Rachel Jones and Lauren Mezurczak. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Dee Ahearn and Mille Ahearn. Pic: Michael Chester Joanna Nicholls. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Laura Murphy, Siobhan Kavanagh and Dee Ahearn. Pic: Michael Chester Katie Smith. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Caoimhe Carr. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Croine Gallagher and Aurelija Kupryte. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Siobhan Kavanagh. Pic: Michael Chester Ciara Murray. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Niamh Lordan. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Extra.ie
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Youth rugby takes over as thousands play at Seapoint Blitz
More than 2,500 young rugby players from across Ireland descended on Kilbogget Park for the 43rd annual Seapoint Rugby Blitz. Families, teams and rugby enthusiasts came together to support young athletes and enjoy a day of action-packed matches and festivities. The afternoon was made even more special by the presence of Leinster rugby stars Tommy O'Brien, Rory McGuire and Stephen Smyth. Jessica Doyle scores a try for Seapoint Rugby Club at the Seapoint Rugby Club Blitz. Pic: Michael Chester Also spotted joining in the fun was former Seapoint player and two-time World Cup medallist Felix Jones. Adding to the atmosphere was Leo the Lion, Leinster Rugby's mascot, who brought smiles to faces young and old throughout the day. Leinster Rugby stars Tommy O'Brien, Rory McGuire and Stephen Smyth with Tom Martin, Oscar Scales, Mille McEver, Margot Scales and Amelia de Siún from Seapoint Rugby Club. Pic: Michael Chester The success of the blitz was made possible by a dedicated team of 150 volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly—from refereeing matches to firing up the barbecue. Leinster Rugby winger Tommy O'Brien, Margot Scales, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Oscar Scales, Leinster Rugby tighthead prop Rory McGuire and Leinster Rugby hooker Stephen Smyth at the Seapoint Rugby Club Blitz. Pic: Michael Chester The Seapoint Rugby Blitz continues to grow and is becoming a highlight of the youth rugby calendar. Freya Gervin scores a try for Seapoint Rugby Club at the Seapoint Rugby Club Blitz. Pic: Michael Chester Speaking about the event, Seapoint Rugby Club president John Montayne said: 'We are proud to welcome players, families and volunteers to Seapoint R.C. once again.' 'The Blitz rounds off what has been a hugely successful season for our club which was crowed off with the winning of the Metropolitan Cup.'
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach criticises Dublin protesters and ‘narrow nationalism'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pushed back against the rhetoric expressed at a large anti-immigration protest in Dublin over the weekend, rejecting what he described as 'negativity' and a vision of Ireland rooted in 'narrow nationalism.' Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square A significant Garda presence was deployed to manage the protest and a counter-demonstration, including public order units, mounted officers, and an aerial support unit. While no major incidents were reported, three people were arrested for public order offences. Micheál Martin. Pic: Michael Chester Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity.' Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' Pic: File The demonstration was also convened to mark the 1916 Easter Rising – 109 years after the armed rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Speaking on Sunday at Fianna Fáil's annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Mr Martin addressed the protest and its appropriation of Easter Rising symbolism. 'The message of the 1916 Proclamation is inclusive and internationalist. It was never grounded in narrow nationalism,' he said. 'That's the vision Fianna Fáil continues to uphold—open, outward-looking, and rooted in our place within modern Europe.' He emphasised that Ireland's EU membership since the 1970s has been transformational, warning against those promoting policies he believes would harm the country's future. Thousands gathered in the city centre on Saturday for a demonstration opposing Government policies, particularly around immigration and housing. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos 'I would be very cautious about those who advocate – like some did yesterday – for a version of Ireland that would take us backwards,' he added. Asked whether the size of the protest concerned him, the Taoiseach pointed to the importance of the democratic process. 'We've had a general election and local elections. The ballot box determines how society is governed. It must be based on policies and ideas – we believe ours are stronger than those put forward yesterday.'
