IT may have been taken over by teenagers, but Ladies Day at the Galway Races is still one of the most salubrious occasions on the Irish fashion calendar.

This year there’s a new sponsor – the West of Ireland skincare brand Ella & Joe have signed up to a three-year deal, putting up the €10,000 cash prize for the best dressed woman and €3,000 for the best hat.

It’s quite the fit for the co-founder Niamh Ryan from Ballina, Co Mayo – she has been coming to the Galway Races since she was a child.

“Yes, we actually go every year as a family; I have been going to Galway from a very young age and I look forward to it every year. The sense of community, the style, the fun it’s such a brilliant week,” she reveals.

She always dresses up for the occasion. “I love the excuse to get dressed up and wearing a headpiece and getting all of the accessories together that really make an outfit. I’m always a bit late with it but I think that’s half the fun,” she admits.

Alongside Mandy Maher, founder of the model agency Catwalk, and former winner Lisa McGowan, Niamh will be picking next Thursday’s winners.

So what will she be personally looking for as a judge? “Someone who is confident in their style and outfit choice –I think quite confidence always shines through in what people are wearing,” she reflects.

“I’d be advising women to pay attention to the details – make sure you love your outfit and feel comfortable in it and have fun that’s the aim of the day.

“For me, it’s all about seeing personal style shine through – whether it’s a bold statement or a perfectly curated look that really reflects someone’s personality. I’ll be looking for confidence, creativity, and that special something that makes an outfit truly unforgettable.”

To celebrate their festival sposnorship, she and business partner Charlene Flanagan will have a spritz bar where people can refresh their makeup and top up on SPF throughout the day. They also have a hamper on offer to win on the day and people can enter at the spritz bar which is in the judging marquee.

The entrepreneurs are delighted to be involved with the Galway Races for the first time. “It celebrates all that we love – community, connection, fun and fashion so it was a natural fit for us to commit to the partnership and watch the collaboration unfold over the next few years,” Niamh explains.

“We are constantly growing and evolving in Ella & Jo. As well as international growth, we have expanded into the spa space launching our partnership with the Ice House Hotel in Ballina who are offering the Ella & Jo signature lifting & toning facial treatment.”

The brand is quite the success story – after years of phenomenal growth, they are now estimated to be in one in every five Irish homes.

Niamh ran her own hair and beauty salon overlooking the River Moy in Ballina. Bridal makeup artist Charlene Flanagan travelled across the country from her home in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, for workshops as brand ambassador for several high-profile companies.

Lisa McGowan won the Ladies Day Competition in 2016. Originally from Tullamore, she now has a fashion and cosmetic business, and over 200,000 followers on her social media pages.

“This event holds a very special place in my heart, ever since I won Galway nine years ago and it provided me with the platform to do what I do today – the style, the atmosphere, and the incredible talent in fashion make it one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar, and I can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing looks and creativity on the day.”

On Friday, there is another chance to win in the fashion stakes with Athlone Towncentre’s Most Stylish competition, hosted by stylist Marietta Doran with herself and comedian and presenter Kayleigh Trappe judging.

Up for grabs is a €2,500 Athlone Towncentre Gift Card, a luxury two-night break in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and a €500 voucher for Fields The Jewellers.

Kayleigh says she’s looking for originality. “For me, the best style isn’t about the price tag but the craic, the creativity, and maybe a bit of clever wardrobe recycling. Old dress, new hat, big smile. Bob’s your uncle.”

Also judging is the shopping centre’s general manager Shirley Delahunt. After 13 years of sponsoring ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’, she believes it is uniquely accessible to all.

“We try to encourage the building blocks of an outfit being from the high street blended with pieces from boutiques, Irish designers or pieces which people may already have in their own wardrobes.”

Pictured: Dympna Mullins, Knocknacarra, Michelle Murphy, Corofin, Pamela Finn, Oranmore, Mary O’Keeffe, Claregalway, Sophie Small, Knocknacarra, Denise Manning, Oranmore and Danielle Gardiner, Knocknacarra at the opening night of the Galway Races in 2024.