A young Laois racegoer took dedication to raceday style to another level, spending the night sitting upright in an armchair to preserve her hairstyle.

Ericia O'Connor was one of many Laois locals who attended the student raceday in Limerick. A first-time attendee, Ericia had her hair done the day before the event, and slept in an armchair to preserve her carefully styled hairdo.

Pictured: Ericia O'Connor pictured enjoying a day out at Limerick Racecourse

Speaking to Raceday TV, the Laois woman said she had her hair done on Wednesday evening by stylist April McCarty, but opted not to risk ruining it overnight.

"I sat up all night sleeping in an armchair," revealed the beauty therapist.

"It was very painful," she admitted, describing a night spent largely sitting up to preserve the carefully styled updo.

“I can't do my own hair, so it had to be done", said Ericia.

Speaking to Limerick Live, Ericia shared what the preparation was like ahead of the races.

"Trying to sleep sitting up in the armchair to avoid ruining hair wasn’t the most comfortable, and I didn’t get much rest at all," she said.

"It was a mix of excitement and not wanting to undo all the prep that went into getting ready. At the time, it definitely felt like a challenge, but looking back it was all part of the experience."

With her hair already in place and tan applied in advance, she added that it took 'about half an hour' to get ready on the morning of the raceday.

Ericia wore a stunning all white look for the popular event, opting for an elegant white dress from Coast, a tailored white jacket with gold buttons from Zara and a white Dior handbag and jewellery from Shein.

"Fashion is a huge part of race day culture," said Ericia.

"It gives people a chance to express their own style and go all out in a way you wouldn’t normally. You see such a mix of looks, from classic and elegant to really bold and trendy, and that’s part of what makes the day so enjoyable... it’s not just about the races, it’s really a full social event where fashion plays a massive role."

Although Ericia doesn't study in Limerick, she said many of her friends from Laois are studying in Limerick.

"I usually tag along for some of the bigger social events like the student race day. It’s always something I look forward to because it’s such a good opportunity to get dressed up, meet new people, and be part of the atmosphere."

The student raceday at Limerick Racecourse has become a key fixture in the social calendar, drawing large crowds of students who treat the event as both a sporting occasion and a fashion showcase.

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It was Ericia's first time attending the races but she embraced the fun and camaraderie of the event meeting new people and making connections. 

“Half the girls I don’t know, but it’s like we’ve known each other all our lives,” she finished.