Art teacher Paula Gannon was “ecstatic” to learn she had won the Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed Lady competition at the Kilbeggan Races last Saturday.
The Athlone native, who works at St Cuans College in Castleblakeney, Co Galway, designed her own hat for the occasion. She began millinery last year, initially making hats for friends and family, and designed a number of hats for this year’s Galway Races.
Speaking after she won, Paula said, “I’m ecstatic, so happy to have won! I have been dressing up for the races for the past six to seven years but have never won a Best Dressed Lady competition before - I’m delighted, to say the least! I have developed a real passion for millinery and this year, I really plan to dedicate more time to it.”
Celebrity judge Amanda Brunker commented, “I was looking out for a classic, polished look which is exactly why I chose our winner - she looked effortlessly elegant from head to toe.”
Manager of Kilbeggan Racecourse, Paddy Dunican, added “As always, Ladies Day in Kilbeggan was a great success, with an excellent turnout and exciting atmosphere. We would like to thank Littlewoods Ireland and Amanda Brunker for making this such an enjoyable evening, and of course, all of the ladies who attended. We extend our warm congratulations to the Best Dressed Lady Paula Gannon.”
Paula won a €2,000 shopping spree with Littlewoods Ireland, while the nine finalists received a €100 shopping voucher. The nine finalists were Elizabeth Anne Egan, Alva Maguire, Louise Gallagher, Oniesa Owens, Laura Mulligan, Fiona Guilfoyle, Sarah Cass, Gillian Hughes, and Sarah Corcoran.
