Athlone's Clodagh wins 'Friday's Most Stylish' crown at Galway Races

Athlone woman Clodagh Cosgrove has won this year's 'Friday’s Most Stylish' competition, sponsored by Athlone Towncentre, at the Galway Races.

The annual fashion contest at the Ballybrit course has been sponsored by Athlone Towncentre for well over a decade, and this year offered its biggest prize fund yet.

For taking the top honours, Clodagh received a luxury 'shop and stay' break, worth in excess of €4,500. She will be given a €2,500 Athlone Towncentre gift card, a luxury two-night stay in the four-star Sheraton Athlone Hotel in a deluxe tower room with dinner and spa treatments, and a €500 voucher courtesy of Fields The Jewellers, one of the retailers located in Athlone Towncentre.

Wearing a purple and orange dipped hem midi dress by Mannit, which she bought in Spain and had previously worn to a wedding, Clodagh elevated her look with shoes and jewellery from Zara as well as a handbag she bought from Depop.

She completed her race-going outfit with a purple tilted hat which just arrived on Friday morning and which she purchased from Depop also. The easy elegance of her outfit perfectly complemented Friday summer evening racing.

One of the key reasons Clodagh was chosen as winner of Athlone Towncentre 'Friday’s Most Stylish' was due to the way she created a wholly individual look incorporating pieces from high street stores and an independent designer.

‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ has proven to be one of the biggest gatherings of race going fashion lovers to date on the Friday of the Festival.

Celebrity judge Kayleigh Trappe, the comedian and presenter, and head judge Marietta Doran, fashion stylist and racing style presenter were joined by Shirley Delahunt, manager of Athlone Towncentre.

With the competition in its thirteenth year, the spotlight is on fashion forward style mirrored by the contemporary retailers resident in Athlone Towncentre.

The winner, Clodagh (36), is a mother of two (Emmy, aged 3, and George, aged 2) who works in finance.

She came to the races with a friend of hers to enjoy the horses, style and atmosphere unique of Friday evening in Ballybrit.

"I am truly surprised. I came to enjoy racing this evening with my friend, Aoife," said Clodagh.

"I had not been racing in years and was so excited to come racing this evening and to take in all the beautiful style. Winning Athlone Towncentre ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ has made the experience absolutely outstanding. This is a race meet I will never forget. I look forward to enjoying the prize!"

Marietta was confident in the winning choice stating: "I chose Clodagh today as she was the standout winner. Clodagh just oozed effortless style which is what Athlone Towncentre ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ embodies.

"It is just the perfect outfit for racing on Friday evening in Galway - it is relaxed and colourful brought together with true style."

Kayleigh Trappe was delighted with her choice of Clodagh as the winner, saying: "I was absolutely thrilled with our choice of winner today. All five finalists were dressed beautifully.

"Clodagh’s outfit stood out as it was vibrant yet balanced, being relaxed and effortless."

Athlone Towncentre manager Shirley Delahunt said: "We are thrilled to see another deserving winner of this year’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ competition.

"The decision of choosing a winner proved to be highly challenging with so many beautiful looks worn by women enjoying this evening’s racing in Galway.

"Clodagh has demonstrated that racing style is more about reflecting one's individual personality and love of style as opposed to spending an exorbitant amount of money on clothing one cannot wear more than a handful of times.

"Friday evening of race week is a highlight in 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 high street stores and boutiques we house in Athlone Towncentre."