Style, confidence, and individuality were in full bloom at Ladies Day 2025, as thousands of racegoers descended on Ballybrit for one of the most glamorous dates in the Irish social calendar - and a landmark debut for Ella & Jo as new sponsors of the Ladies Day Best Dressed Competition.
Taking home the coveted €10,000 Best Dressed Lady prize was Megan Cunniss from Bohermore Galway, whose look embodied the Ella & Jo ethos - bold, original, and completely her own.
This year marked the beginning of a three-year partnership between the Galway Races and multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo, a powerhouse in Irish beauty, known for championing real skin, real women, and real confidence.
Ms Cunniss designed the dress herself inspired by the timeless elegance of vintage fashion. She wanted a simple classic timeless look with a modern twist so she added details like symmetrical asymmetrical buttons and a minimum waist belt. The dress is made in France and tailored in Galway. Her hat was from Millenary by Mairead and she added the subtle band herself.
“I just can’t believe it I am ecstatic. I’m from Galway so this means so much to me”
In the Best Hat category, Bride Butler from Thurles County Tipperary was awarded the €3,000 prize for a standout piece by Michelle Kearns, applauded for its originality, craftsmanship, and sheer presence.
The judging panel was led by trusted voices in Irish fashion and beauty, with Galway Races icon Mandy Maher returning as Head Judge for the fourth year running, joined for the first time by Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo.“I’m so proud to be part of an event that continues to shine a light on Irish style in such a vibrant and inclusive way,” said Mandy.
“The creativity we saw today was off the charts.”Niamh Ryan added: “Being part of the judging panel this year was incredibly special. You could see how much joy, personality, and individuality went into every look - exactly what Ella & Jo is all about. We were drawn to something real, something confident. The moment our winner stepped out, we all felt it.”
Also joining the panel was Lisa McGowan, founder of Lisa & Co and Lisa’s Lust List, returning nearly a decade after being crowned Best Dressed herself in 2016.“Ladies Day holds such a special place in my heart,” said Lisa. “The standard this year was phenomenal, not just in terms of fashion, but in the presence behind the outfits. Our winner had that rare magic. She didn’t just wear the look, she owned it.”
Now in its 156th year, the Galway Races Summer Festival remains Ireland’s ultimate style stage, and in 2025, with Ella & Jo leading the charge at Ladies Day, it took on a fresh new energy. A celebration of modern beauty, where skincare, style, and confidence go hand in hand, with a glow that lasts long after the gates close.
