Sarah McDermott Wins Highly Sought After ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ Title

Friday, 29th July 2022

Sarah McDermott from Newbridge, Co. Kildare has been announced as winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre at the Galway Races.  Wearing a patterned playsuit & blazer co-ord by Kevin Jon from Harper Boutique in Galway, Sarah elevated her look with shoes from Carvela and a Prada handbag which she borrowed from a friend.  She completed her race going outfit with a navy headpiece designed and made by Australian Milliner Rebecca Share which she hired from Hats Amore, Newbridge.  The easy elegance of her outfit perfectly complemented Friday Summer evening racing in Ballybrit.  One of the key reasons Sarah was chosen as winner of Athlone Towncentre’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ was due to the way she created a wholly individual look incorporating pieces from high street stores and independent boutiques which are reflective of the variety of retailers housed in Athlone Towncentre.

The wonderful win topped off a most exciting week for Sarah as she got engaged to her now fiancé Eoin Stakelum on Sunday having just turned 30 a few days previously!  Sarah takes home the biggest Prize Fund on offer for the competition yet, which is worth in excess of €3500.  She has won a €2000 Athlone Towncentre Gift Card, a luxury two night break in the four star Sheraton Athlone Hotel in a Deluxe Tower Room with dinner & spa treatments and a gift card for a piece of her choice from Fields The Jeweller, who are one of the many retailers located in Athlone Towncentre.

‘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 judges Bláthnaid Treacy, RTÉ Television Presenter and Marietta Doran, Fashion Stylist & Racing Style Presenter were joined by Shirley Delahunt, Manager of Athlone Towncentre.  With the competition in its tenth year, the spotlight has been on fashion forward style mirrored by the contemporary retailers resident in Athlone Towncentre.

Speaking about her delight at being announced as winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre, Primary School Teacher Sarah said “I’m absolutely thrilled!  My friends & I had a wonderful day racing yesterday.  While I had today’s outfit ready to go I can’t believe I was considering not coming to the racecourse as I was a little tired following all of yesterday’s fun.  I’m now just delighted I made the decision to!  This has topped off an incredible week for me personally.”

Considering what she might spend her €2,000 Gift Card for Athlone Towncentre on Sarah says “I’m now really excited to get some pieces we need for our wedding!  I may also use it to get some outfits for race meets in the future!”

Marietta was confident in the winning choice stating “I just thought Sarah’s outfit summed up what Athlone Towncentre’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ winning look should be – colourful, vibrant, elegant and fun. When we both set eyes on Sarah, Bláthnaid and I said at the same time – she was the lady to beat!  She was our favourite from the outset.  Head to to everthing was on point from her co-ord and headpiece to her shoes and her bag.  Very on trend but very glamorous at the same time.  I think she encapsulates what a ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ winner should look like.”

“Also evident were the outfits women had bought throughout the last two years in the hope of wearing them when in person events came back full swing which added to the electric atmosphere and array of stunning style this year.”

Athlone Towncentre Manager Shirley Delahunt says “we are thrilled to see another deserving winner of this year’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ competition.  The decision in choosing a winner proved to be highly challenging with so many beautiful looks worn by women enjoying this evening’s Racing in Galway.  Sarah has demonstrated that racing style is more about reflecting ones’ 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 & 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.”

Social Media fans can check out behind the scenes action on the Athlone Towncentre Facebook and Instagram accounts which have been taken over by Rebecca Rose Quigley, a previous winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ who is now a talented stylist and influencer and forms part of the Personal Shopping Team in Athlone Towncentre.  Viewers will gain exclusive access to the style around the racecourse today.

Talking about Friday’s Festival meet, Michael Maloney, General Manager of Galway Racecourse said “the Friday of our seven day Festival has grown from strength to strength. Style competitions at Galway Racecourse such as ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre add to the excitement and enjoyment of the day.  Advance ticket sales were very strong again this year, proving its huge appeal and popularity.  With an array of heart thumping horse racing, live bands, DJ’s and the reveal of our new Parade Ring Lounge, this year’s first full capacity in person event in three years is outstanding!”

Athlone Towncentre is home to major contemporary fashion brands including Zara, River Island and H&M as well as boutiques.  It is an ideal shopping destination with numerous food offerings catering to all tastes.

ENDS