'It’s the first time I’ve won anything at all!'

Knockcroghery resident Genevieve Ryan was still on a high when the Herald chatted to her about winning the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition on the opening day of the Punchestown Racing Festival on Tuesday.

“It’s the first time I’ve won anything at all!,” she laughed.

It was certainly an incredible first visit to the Punchestown Festival for Genevieve who lives with her husband Declan Ryan in Corboley, Knockcroghery and their three-year-old daughter, Lily Mae.

She proudly explained that it was Lily Mae who inspired part of her mother’s winning outfit. The judges described her hat as the real wow factor, a handmade creation finished with her daughter’s favourite teddy’s bow.

Genevieve admits she enjoys all things fashion and particularly loves making her own hats.

Before her notable success in Kildare on Tuesday, she was a finalist in the Best Dressed competition at the Galway Races last year and has entered into the Best Dressed event at the Roscommon Races for the last three years.

Genevieve is among the daily winners at the famous five day Kildare racing festival and is all set to compete in a grand final on Friday afternoon in Punchestown where she will be wearing the same outfit.

The overall winner takes away a range of incredible prizes including business class flights to Paris, a stay in a five-star hotel, Michelin Star dining and Bollinger champagne tasting.

Genevieve, originally from Sligo, works in the civil service in Longford and her husband Declan from Roscommon Town works in the prison service in Portlaoise. Declan’s sister Bernie was the Roscommon Rose at the Rose of Tralee Final in Kerry three years ago.