The judging panel James Patrice, Marietta Doran and Shirley Delahunt with model Katie Geoghegan

Athlone Towncentre seeks a flair for style at ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’

Fashion lovers will be dressing to impress tomorrow (Friday) as the Galway Races plays host to one of the highlights of the racing and fashion calendar, the 'Friday's Most Stylish' competition sponsored by Athlone Towncentre.

The panel of celebrity judges will seek out people with a flair for style which reflects the vibrant summer racing festival, at what is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of race-going fashion lovers this year.

Judges for the competition – TV presenter James Patrice, stylist Marietta Doran, and Athlone Towncentre manager Shirley Delahunt – will seek out the best style efforts at Galway Racecourse. The judges have a keen eye for racing style due to their involvement with race meetings throughout the country.

With the competition in its seventh year, this year sees the biggest prize fund yet, in excess of €3,000. The lucky winner will leave with a €1,500 Athlone Towncentre shopping spree, a two-night luxury hotel and spa break at Sheraton Athlone Hotel, an Emporio Armani watch courtesy of Fields The Jeweller, and bespoke headpiece created by milliner Suzie Mahony plus racing hat hire for the year.

Talking about his excitement ahead of the competition, James said: “For me, it’s all about finding a lady who captures the spirit of a fun and fabulous day at the races. While a fashion forward outfit with sartorial sass is always welcome, I’d like our winner not to take things too seriously! It’s all about having the craic with your pals and feeling comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. This always offers an ultimately effortless aesthetic in my eyes! Of course, I’ll have to scrub up myself – a quick dash around Athlone Towncentre was in order!”

Athlone Towncentre manager Shirley Delahunt added, “We are delighted once again to be involved with the Galway Races. The Friday evening of race week has undoubtedly found its place on the calendars of stylish race-goers from far and wide. We have seen a real evolution of style at the races over the last number of years which perfectly complements the 60 high street stores and boutiques we house in Athlone Towncentre.This competition and its previous winners have demonstrated that racing style is now more about reflecting one's individual personality and flair for style as opposed to spending an exorbitant amount of money on clothing one cannot wear more than a handful of times. We’re looking forward to the fresh new take on the competition this year.”

Social media fans are advised to keep an eye on the Athlone Towncentre Facebook and Instagram accounts as Virgin Media ‘Weekend AM’ stylist and previous winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’, Rebecca Rose, takes over for the day. Rebecca will showcase the style on view, as well as giving exclusive behind-the-scenes access.