Laois style in the spotlight at Curragh races

Laois native Micheal Fitzpatrick was runner-up in the hotly contested Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Best Dressed competition at The Curragh Racecourse at the weekend. 

Michael, who is property manager at Fitz of Inch, Stradbally, impressed the judges Clodagh McKenna, Alpana Cidambi and Bairbre Power.

Winner  of the most styling competition Angela Belle McSweeney from Australia (on left) with Runners up Michael Fitzpatrick from Laois and Joice da Silva from Brazil but living in Dublin.
Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan 

The overall best dressed winner was Angela Belle McSweeney from Sydney Australia who won a trip to Dubai, courtesy of Dubai Duty Free. 

She wore Dior Shoes, hat by Cynthia Jones Bryson Millinery, dress from Bronx and Banco, designed by Natalie De Banco and bag was by Cult Gai.

It was Angela's first visit to The Irish Derby, something that was always on her bucket list.  She decided last minute to travel by herself to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and is delighted with her decision. She has Irish ancestry, loves Irish style and was blown away by the Irish racing style, saying that her suitcase would be full of Irish designers going home to Australia.  
The fashion stakes were high at The Curragh with Style MC Marietta Doran commenting that it was one of the best fashion line-ups she has ever seen.  Lead Style Judge Clodagh McKenna was thrilled to be home in Ireland with husband the Honourable Harry Herbert, to judge the styling.  She was very impressed with the style on showcase at The Curragh.