Limerick native crowned winner of ladies' day at Mayo racecourse

Olive Tonry – originally from Limerick but living in Sligo – was the winner of The Lodge at Ashford Castle Best Dressed Lady Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse yesterday (Monday) evening.

The winner collected the top prize of a VIP experience at The Lodge at Ashford Castle plus €1,000 in cash. The runners-up received dinner for two in Wilde’s Restaurant in The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Olive wore a green silk dress from Massimo Dutti which she customised with a sleeve cape detail. Her headpiece was a Laura Hanlon design from Hatsamore in Newbridge. Her shoes were from Oxfam and she paired the outfit with a customised clutch. She wore green earrings from Shein.

Reacting to her win, Olive said: “I am delighted to be chosen as winner of The Lodge at Ashford Castle Best Dressed Lady Day here at Ballinrobe. It is my first time at Ballinrobe Races. I had a wonderful evening and I am thrilled to win such a fantastic prize.”

The judge, Jennifer Wrynne, remarked: “I was blown away by the fashion at Ballinrobe ladies' day this year. It made my job as judge very difficult. The injection of colour and the individual twist ladies put on their outfits was superb.

“I would like to congratulate Olive, the finalists and all the ladies who attended Ballinrobe Best Dressed Lady Day.”

Peter Fergus, hotel manager, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, added: “The Lodge at Ashford Castle was delighted to sponsor ladies' day again this year. It was such a special evening. We could not be more proud of our association with the Ballinrobe Racecourse.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse manager, commented: “Ladies' day is one of our most popular race meetings of the season. We would like to thank our sponsors, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, for sponsoring ladies' day and coming on board to sponsor two races in 2023. It’s a great partnership for Ballinrobe.

“We are delighted with the turnout this evening and our judge, Jennifer Wrynne, had a tough job picking a winner. Congratulations to Olive and all the finalists.”

The five finalists, including the winner, were: Sophia Small, Knocknacara, Galway; Mary Davin, Claregalway; Aisling Mulroe, Tourmakeady; Olive Tonry, Sligo; and Katrina Dimitrova, Dom-Bas Region, Ukraine.