Fashion Takes Centre Stage at Listowel Harvest Races
From sharp-suited gentlemen and spectacular ladies’ day style to sustainable fashion, Listowel once again proved that racing and fashion are a winning combination.
Thousands of stylish ladies at Listowel Races
Fashion took centre stage throughout the final days of the 2026 Listowel Harvest Racing Festival, with racegoers embracing everything from classic tailoring and glamorous occasionwear to vintage and sustainable style.
Sharp-dressed gentlemen turn heads at Listowel
Thursday, 24 September put the spotlight firmly on the gentlemen with the return of the Ryle Menswear Best Dressed Man Competition, hosted by owner Michael Moran and judged by the ever-dapper Botty O’Callaghan.
Michael Moran, Ryle Menswear and winner Kevin Ross. Photo JK Photography
Hundreds of stylish gentlemen descended on the racecourse, with contenders travelling from across Ireland and overseas, including finalists from Texas and the UK.
Taking the coveted title was Kevin Ross from Ballyduff, who walked away with a custom-made suit worth €1,500. Jason Carmody, the first runner-up, won a full Benetti suit, shirt and tie, while Ryle Menswear also presented generous gift bags to all finalists.
Glamour and classic style shine on Ladies Day
The fashion spotlight turned to the ladies on Friday, 25 September for the McElligotts Kia Best Dressed Lady Competition, one of the highlights of the Listowel Harvest Festival.
Jane Manning from Carrigaline, Co. Cork was crowned Best Dressed Lady 2026 following an afternoon of spectacular fashion and fierce competition. Judged by image consultant Aoife Dunican, aka The Style Bob, and raceday TV presenter and content creator Frankie Foster, Jane won a luxurious week-long holiday for two at the four-star Hotel Astoria in Sorrento, the gateway to Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast.
Jane impressed the judges in a sophisticated monochrome look featuring a striped A-line dress and matching hat by Coast, paired with embellished Jimmy Choo shoes, a gift from her boyfriend during a recent trip to Paris.
The Most Creative Headpiece title went to Faith Almond, who won €1,000. Faith wore a striking headpiece by milliner Carol Kennelly, teamed with a Louise Kennedy coat and Jimmy Choo bag.
Jordana Lambardarios took home the Most Contemporary Outfit award and €500. Her look featured a headpiece by Marc Millinery, a shirt by the Linen Shirt Company and a Karen Millen skirt.
This year marks the 12th consecutive year of McElligotts’ sponsorship of one of Irish racing’s most celebrated fashion competitions.
Sustainable style steals the show
The fashion festivities continued into Saturday with Sustainable Style Saturday, which once again showcased the creativity of Listowel racegoers while shining a spotlight on sustainable and circular fashion.
So much colour and sustainable style. Finalists, Judges and Organisers at this years Listowel Tidy Towns / An Taisce Sustainable Style Saturday at Listowel Races. Congratulations to organisers Mary Hanlon, Imelda Murphy and Liz Horgan and their hard working team.
Organised for the 15th consecutive year by Listowel Tidy Towns, in association with An Taisce and supported by the businesses of Listowel and Listowel Race Company, the event attracted thousands of stylish racegoers who embraced vintage, pre-loved and sustainable fashion.
Most Sustainably Attired Racegoer went to Tara O’Carroll from Causeway
Judged by top model Paula Price and Elaine Doyle of An Taisce, the coveted title of Most Sustainably Attired Racegoer went to Tara O’Carroll from Causeway, who won €500 sponsored by Listowel Race Company.
Best Vintage/Pre-Loved Attired Racegoer award went to Mary Thornton from Listowel
The Best Vintage/Pre-Loved Attired Racegoer award went to Mary Thornton from Listowel, who won €300 sponsored by Higgins Waste & Recycling Ltd.
Elaine Doyle has a word with some very fashionable little ladies at the races
The Most Sustainable Attired Under-16 Racegoer also received a €200 prize, sponsored by John McGuire Pharmacy, while all remaining finalists received fabulous goody bags sponsored by businesses throughout Listowel.
New sponsor Higgins Waste & Recycling added an extra element of fun to the day, with racegoers invited to guess the weight of a bundle of cardboard for the chance to win €200.
Huge congratulations to the organisers, Mary, Imelda, Liz and their team at Tidy Towns who work all year around to make this event so successful.
Listowel was the first town and racecourse in Ireland to host a sustainable fashion event on a racecourse, an initiative that continues to champion waste minimisation, sustainable fashion and the circular economy.
Seven days of racing, fashion and celebration
With record-breaking crowds enjoying seven action-packed and sun-soaked days, the 2026 Listowel Harvest Racing Festival will be remembered for its exceptional atmosphere, racing, entertainment and, of course, spectacular style.
From impeccably tailored gentlemen to glamorous ladies, creative headpieces, vintage treasures and sustainable fashion, Listowel once again demonstrated that fashion is very much part of the racing tradition and that when it comes to style, the Harvest Festival continues to be a racecourse like no other.
The fashion events were produced and managed by Orla Diffily, Ray Stack, Ger Mulvihill, Sydney Sargent and Helena Halpin. Thanks as always to George Doyle of Neustock Media, Don from MacMonagle Photography and John for JK Photography for creating the content which so perfectly captures the many magical moments at Listowel Races.
Orla Diffily has a quick word with some of the many stylish women on McElligotts Kia Ladies Day.
