Tullamore native Lisa McGowan wins €10k Best Dressed Lady prize at the Galway Races

Lisa McGowan (right) from Tullamore, Co Offaly, was crowned Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races at Ballybrit in one of her own designs, taking home the €10,000 prize. Garda Ciara Murphy (left) from Dunboyne, Co Meath, scooped the Best Hat title. Photo: Ray Ryan

Garda Ciara Murphy, from Dunboyne, winner of the g Hotel & Spa Best Hat competition for Ladies Day at t he Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Lisa McGowan, who was named the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races . Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Lisa McGowan at the Galway Races. Picture: Bairbre Power/Twitter

Ciara Murphy at the Galway Races. Picture: Bairbre Power/Twitter

Lisa McGowan (right) from Tullamore, Co Offaly, was crowned Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races at Ballybrit in one of her own designs, taking home the €10,000 prize. Garda Ciara Murphy (left) from Dunboyne, Co Meath, scooped the Best Hat title. Photo: Ray Ryan

Garda Ciara Murphy, from Dunboyne, winner of the g Hotel & Spa Best Hat competition for Ladies Day at t he Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Lisa McGowan at the Galway Races

Lisa McGowan, who was named the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races . Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Lisa McGowan at the Galway Races. Picture: Bairbre Power/Twitter

Ciara Murphy at the Galway Races. Picture: Bairbre Power/Twitter

Jane O'Faherty

July 28 2016 04:04 PM

Giddy heights were reached at the festival as hundreds donned their highest heels and hats at the Galway Races Ladies Day.

But it was Lisa McGowan from Tullamore, Co. Offaly who towered above them all.

Wearing a hat by Marie Claire Millinery and a dress from Strawberry and Lime, which she designed herself.

The ensemble was completed by a handbag from Glitz, jewellery from Dessert Diamonds Ireland and shoes from Dunnes Stores.

Lisa McGowan, who was named the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races . Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

The stylish insurance broker took home a €10,000 voucher for the g Hotel, Galway.

Meanwhile, a garda stationed at Store Street stole the Best Hat accolade, wearing a creation from Fiona Rafter and pocketing a €2,000 prize.

Ciara Murphy from Dunboyne, Co. Meath wasn’t even sure if she’d get to the races at all before the morning.

“I wasn't going to come to the races but I got last minute accommodation from a friend of mine putting us up,” she said. “I think the win is on another level. It is amazing.”

While the style was impressive from the outset, the judges were tasked with selecting just 10 finalists.

Today FM’s Louise Duffy and Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power joined the panel of judges, along with Melanie Morris of Image Publications, Mandy Maher of Catwalk Models and the g Hotel’s Triona Barrett.

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(CLOSED) VOTE: Who do you think is Best Dressed for Ladies Day at the Galway Races?

This year's prize was sponsored by the g Hotel & Spa and judges include Today FM star Louise Duffy, Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power, Image Magazine's Melanie Morris and Catwalk models' Mandy Maher.