Local ladies make their mark at the Galway Races
Finalists at the Galway Races Best Dressed Lady competition Carlow's Faith Amond (left) and Liz Maher (right), with Imogen Mason from Galway (centre) Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
STYLE icons Faith Amond and Liz Maher represented County Carlow with distinction as finalists in the prestigious Best Dressed Lady competition at last week’s Galway Races.
The pair were among the select finalists competing for the coveted €10,000 prize at Ladies Day, which took place on Thursday during the 156th running of the Galway Races Summer Festival. While Megan Cunniss from Bohermore in Galway city ultimately claimed the top prize, both Carlow women flew the flag for Carlow style on one of Ireland’s most fashionable stages.
Faith Amond, who has become synonymous with elegant racing fashion across Ireland, expressed her delight at the recognition. “Delighted to be chosen” as a Ladies Day finalist, she posted online following the announcement.
At 71, Faith continues to challenge perceptions about age and style, having previously stated in interviews that “older women are not invisible” and consistently advocating for the celebration of fashion at any stage of life.
The milliner and fashion icon brings decades of experience to racing fashion, with an impressive track record that includes winning Best Dressed Lady up to 50 times across various events.
Joining Faith as a Carlow finalist was Liz Maher from Bagenalstown, who has been making waves on the racing fashion circuit this season. The retired cattle trader recently claimed the Best Dressed Lady title at The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse, marking a triumphant return to that venue after a 40-year absence. Her victory there came just over a year after she won Best Dressed at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse in 2024.
The judging panel for Galway’s Ladies Day was led by renowned stylist Mandy Maher and included notable fashion figures Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo (which sponsored the competition), Lisa McGowan of Lisa & Co and Lisa’s Lust List, and a former Best Dressed winner herself.
Ladies Day has become a cornerstone event of the Galway Races Summer Festival, drawing fashion enthusiasts from across Ireland who compete not just for the substantial prize money, but for the prestige of being recognised among the country’s best-dressed.
