ROUGHLY 30 seconds after racing at Naas was called off last Sunday, an announcement came over the PA to inform racegoers that “the best dressed competition will still go ahead in the marquee”.

Fair play to the fashionistas – they weren’t going to let freezing fog ruin all the work they had put in. They put the jockeys and stewards to shame.

First prize went to Mary Woulfe from Cratloe West in Athea, Co Limerick.

A regular racegoer, Mary gave up her job as a dental nurse to look after her sons, Robbie and Ryan, both of whom have cystic fibrosis. Robbie is also autistic.

Mary won a €2,000 gift card for Frasers in the Whitewater Shopping Centre, a two-night stay in Lawlor’s of Naas Hotel, dinner and afternoon tea.

Runners-up Áine Malone from Edenderry and Breda Butler from Thurles received €100 Fraser vouchers and afternoon tea at Lawlor’s.

Breda is a former Curragh best dressed winner, so you could say the Naas fashion form is very strong.

No doubt Naas chairman Dermot Cantillon will want Group 1 status for the Naas best dressed competition next year.