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The Racing for Rosabel showcase at The Connacht Hotel returned as one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the Galway Races, combining bold style with fundraising for Rosabel’s Rooms. Judges praised a season of bright colour, striking headpieces and carefully tailored looks that dominated the marquee event.
Winners and standout looks
The panel — which included Dancing With The Stars professional Laura Nolan alongside Fiona Morgan Coleman and Caroline McElroy — rewarded vivid palettes and confident silhouettes. Colourful outfits and statement accessories emerged as a clear theme for the day.
Mary Wolfe from Limerick took the title of Best Dressed Lady. She wore a sunny yellow Karen Millen dress and accentuated it with bow details and a refined headpiece by Irish milliner Carol Kennelly.
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Galway entrant Nicola McGlinchey finished as runner-up in a tailored white dress with a retro edge. Her look featured a boat headpiece from CompleteLook.ie, shoes from ASOS and a River Island bag decorated with silver roses.
Best Headpiece went to Mary Davin, whose romantic boater was personalised with a birdcage veil and floral embroidery. Lemon yellow remained popular across the field: Michelle Manning, named runner-up in the headwear category, wore a structured midi paired with a bright floral headpiece and matching orange accessories.
Men’s category and notable entries
Dopamine dressing was not limited to the women. Dublin man Ivan Sutton won Best Dressed Man for a smart blue jacket teamed with a floral shirt.
Runner-up Sean Brett proved a striking look need not be costly: he combined a Penneys jacket with Dunnes Stores trousers and eye-catching snakeskin shoes.
Rosabel’s Choice: personal stories on stage
The special Rosabel’s Choice awards, selected by Rosabel’s mother, Suzanne McClean, honoured women whose stories carried extra weight.
Aisling Kleyn received one of the choices in vintage style — a wedding dress with an embroidered fitted bodice and flowing skirt, finished with a cream vintage headpiece. She moved the room when she shared her experience of child loss, appearing on stage with her daughter; Aisling’s baby had a twin who did not survive.
Suzanne’s second selection was Orla Kelly, who wore a purple two-piece with a headpiece by Galway-based milliner Caithriona King. Orla, who is recovering from breast cancer, became emotional while accepting the award.
Organisers reflect
Caroline Downey, organiser of Racing for Rosabel, described the afternoon as personally meaningful and the highlight of the week. “I am so honoured to organise this special day with Rosabel’s parents, Suzanne and Gary,” she said. “The energy in the room was infectious, everyone was in such high spirits, and it was wonderful to see our guests having such an incredible day.”
For attendees planning to try their luck at next year’s Best Dressed competition, organisers shared a style guide with tips — and a reminder that entrants can compete for a prize of €10,000.
