SerpApi.Org
Veronica Walsh was crowned the Best Dressed lady at The Curragh Racecourse during the Juddmonte Irish Oaks race day, and the stylish lady is planning to use her winnings most sweetly: to treat her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law to a pre-wedding treat.
The Navan woman was a worthy winner as she championed Irish designers on the day, wearing a gorgeous dress by designer Tina Griffin and a headpiece by award‑winning milliner Carol Kennelly.
As the overall winner, Veronica received exclusive private use of the seven‑bedroom 18th‑century Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort.
The prize includes a private dining experience for up to 14 guests. With her son Simon's wedding set for September, Veronica decided she would treat the two families ahead of the big day.
'This couldn't have happened at a better time because my son is getting married in September in Cashel Palace,' she told EVOKE.
'And he families haven't really joined up yet. We've met now and then, but we've not really spent an awful lot of time with one another.
'So this is going to be a tremendous opportunity to invite Tara, Simon's fiancée's family and meet everyone and have a bit of craic.
'It'll ease everything, and everybody can have a chat and a bit of fun,' Veronica explained.
She was quick to gush over The Curragh, commending their well-run Ladies Day events.
Veronica and her close friend Sinead, who was with her when she won, regularly attend Ladies Days together.
The pair have found that there is always a lovely atmosphere and sense of community amongst attendees.
'If I wanted to go to the races and Sinead couldn't go, I'd always go and know there would be someone there to say "come and hang around with us."
'Nobody leaves anybody on their own. It works very well that way. It's always a wonderful group.'
As a keen gardener who spends the majority of her time outside and with her horses, Veronica knew that the weekend's theme was ideal for her.
The competition invited racegoers to interpret nature through their own personal style, resulting in an array of imaginative looks influenced by wildflowers, Wicklow sunsets, the Blessington Lakes and the rich colours and textures of the natural world.
Veronica was crowned the overall winner of the Styled by Nature Award. The other winners on the day were Dee Maddock for the Modern Headpiece Award, Dawn Knight for the Sustainable Style Award, and Suzanne McGarry, winner of Emily’s Edit.
'With a brief like that, I knew it was perfect.'
