Athlone Towncentre enters its tenth year leading the ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ competition at the Galway Races with this year’s celebrity judges Bláthnaid Treacy and Marietta Doran seeking a balance of creative styling of high street pieces with personal flair.
Sponsored by Athlone Towncentre, ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ will take place on Friday, July 29, from 4pm, and is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of race-going fashion lovers to date.
Judges for the competition, RTÉ television presenter Bláthnaid Treacy and fashion stylist and racing style presented Marietta Doran will seek out the best style efforts at Galway Racecourse on the fifth day of the festival. Both judges will be joined by general manager of Athlone Towncentre, Shirley Delahunt, who together with Marietta, has been on the judging panel for the last ten years. The judges have a keen eye for style given their involvement with race meetings and retailers throughout their careers.
This year sees the biggest prize fund to date for the competition winner with a ‘shop and stay’ break, courtesy of Athlone Towncentre. The lucky winner will receive a €2000 Athlone Towncentre gift card, a two-night break in the four star Sheraton Athlone Hotel, including dinner and spa treatments. The winner will also receive a stunning piece of jewellery courtesy of Fields the Jeweller, one of Athlone Towncentre’s many retailers.
Friday evening of race week has definitely secured its place on the calendars of stylish race-goers across the country. The races have seen a striking evolution of style over the years which complement the high street stores and boutiques situated in Athlone Towncentre. The previous winners of this competition have demonstrated that racing style is about reflecting one’s personality and creativity as opposed to spending an excessive amount of money on clothing.
“We are delighted to be involved in our tenth year with the Galway Races. This year is extra special as it will be the first time in three years the competition will take place in person. We expect anticipation for the event and the fashion showcased by racegoers will be at an all-time high,” Athlone Towncentre general manager, Shirley Delahunt, said.
“Plans are in place for one amazing week here at Galway Racecourse, it’s our best line up yet, with thrilling horse-racing and entertainment on offer. Friday has always been one of the highlights, a day that’s hugely popular with our racegoers as we head into a Bank Holiday weekend. Our sponsorship with Athlone Towncentre is in its tenth year, a partnership that has gone from strength to strength. We look forward to meeting with Shirley Delahunt and team for a very special ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ event. See you in Galway,” chief executive at Galway Racecourse, Michael Moloney, said.
Highlights of the event can be viewed on the Athlone Towncentre social media channels, where the racegoers, five finalists, and winner can be viewed on the same day just after the events unfold.
Athlone Towncentre is home to major fashion brands including Zara, River Island and H&M, as well as boutique businesses. It is an ideal shopping destination with top retailers and numerous food offerings all under one roof.
