The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Ladies and Gents bloom on race day
WHAT’S better than a trip to Penneys for a bargain? Winning Best Dressed at the Dawn Milk Ladies Day at the Killarney Races, with a bargain pair of strappy sandals from Penneys.
Fiona McSweeney from Kilcummin caught the judge’s eyes to win the top prize while simultaneously winning over everyone’s heart, with her relatable love for Penneys.
Fiona was chosen as the Dawn Milk Queen of Fashion Winner by the judge, singer Una Healy, at the Killarney Races Ladies Day last Thursday.
Fiona was looking fierce in red on the day and the story behind assembling her outfit is definitely interesting.
When The Kerryman asked if she was a fashion lover, she gave the perfect response:
“Yeah, I suppose I am. I’m a really big lover of Penneys!” Fiona said, as she laughed.
“I guess I didn’t overthink it. I ordered the red jumpsuit two months ago from Lavish Alice and then I saw the headpiece by Liz O’Sullivan in Marc Millinery in Cork online and I knew once I had those two things, the bag and shoes would be no bother.
“My shoes were, of course, from Penneys! I borrowed my bag from my mother, not really for a particular reason, I just liked it. I never thought it would be part of a winning outfit!”
Although an avid attendee at the annual Ladies Day, Fiona never expected to win the top style prize.
“Una Healy was so nice – I really didn’t expect to be meeting her. I couldn’t believe I made the top ten, nor mind winning. I was standing up there waiting for someone else’s name to be announced!”
The prize, a travel voucher, couldn’t be in more grateful hands. Fiona is a teacher in Coolick NS in Kilcummin and spends the school holidays doing what she loves best – travelling the world.
“Everyone’s asking me am I excited for Paris – it’s not a trip to Paris I won, it’s just advertised as that! I received a travel voucher, to visit anywhere I want.
“I love travelling. I’m backpacking in South America in August and I’m taking this coming year out from teaching to travel. But, I’ve never been to Paris, or Milan – they could still be in the cards!”
Fiona has given us all hope, showing us that award winning style doesn’t come down to the label.
“My advice for dressing for ladies day is to keep it simple. Go for something that looks effortless. You don’t have to spend hundreds on an outfit for it to look great – tried and tested.”
Michael Dorgan from Douglas, Cork won the Dawn Milk Best Gent Competition chosen by Una Healy’s husband Ben Foden, international rugby player. The story behind Michael’s suit is just as good as Fiona’s – it was the same outfit worn on his wedding day in Killarney in 2016.