Night of high fashion in Ó Riada’s, Ballymac

IT was all the go one time to say that things were selling like hot cakes – even if it was only half true. Talking about fashion and things selling like... you know: Friday night’s fashion show at Ó Riada’s Bar and Restaurant in Ballymacelligott sold out nearly as soon as the plans for the event were announced back in the days of the dark evenings.

The gala event – at which over 150 came for an evening of high fashion, entertainment, food and music – is expected to clear over €12,000 for its nominated charities.

There was something special about the evening. Ticket-toting patrons arrived by cars and taxis, and a magnificent group of seven locals walked down the side road to the venue dressed to the nines.

The lovely spring evening brought its own magic as people were able to mix and mingle around the pleasant grounds of the venue until the serious business of the night poured down the stairs and throughout the catwalk-converted bar-room floor. Most of the attendees dressed very appropriately for the occasion and there was a prize for the best gúna on show – also known as the Best Dressed Lady Award – and it went to Scartaglin native, Cordal resident, Norma Boyle-O’Connor. However, I’m sure if there were fashion police on duty, some arrests would have been made.

The event was compered by 1983 Rose of Tralee Brenda Hyland, while Orla Diffily, Upfront Model Management; and Mags Kissane of Connect magazine had all been roped in to lend their considerable expertise by Mary Jones of the host venue.

The equally talented Sharon Shannon and singers, Eleanor Shanley and Corina K, joined the proprietors of the ‘fashion houses’ from Castleisland – The Fashion Capital of Kerry on the occasion.

Representatives of the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry and the founders of Rosabelle’s Rooms, Suzanne and Gary Monroe of the well-known Galway city entertainment landmark, were also there in support of the event.

“We’re all delighted the way it turned out and with the support we got from the fashion shops in Castleisland and from the people of the locality and well beyond,” said Mary Jones.

“The fact that people made a point of thanking us and those who worked on the event on the night – I think that says it all.”

Photo by John Reidy Locals on their way on foot to the fashion show at Ó Riada’s Bar and Restaurant on Friday evening: Ellen Clifford, Joan Wharton, Mary Reidy, Teresa Gilroy, Doreen Brosnan, Margaret Fitzgerald and Annette Doyle.