Galway Races fires starting pistol on festival with stylish launch on hotel rooftop –‘The excitement is unbelievable'

Irish Independent

25-06-2025

The glamorous event took place at Lena's Rooftop Bar as the glitterati of Galway came out to celebrate the momentous occasion.
The evening was expertly MCed by broadcaster Gemma Ní Chionnaith, with special guest appearances from Mandy Maher, head judge of the iconic Ladies Day; Lisa McGowan, this year's Ladies Day Guest Judge; and Marietta Doran, host of Athlone Towncentre's Friday's Most Stylish competition.
The event also celebrated key sponsorship milestones, including Diageo's 60th year of partnership with the Galway Races, Tote's 15th year sponsoring the historic Galway Plate, and Chanelle Pharma's 40th year supporting the Leading Trainer Award.
Now in its 156th year, Galway Races is all set to fire the starting pistol on another run at Ballybrit with hopes for this turn to be better than ever.
'What we try to do is we build them over what we had here for years,' said Chairman of the Galway Races Committee Dr. Colm O'Flaherty. 'So it'll be fun, always a bit of craic, always superb racing and the excitement is unbelievable. What we always try and do is leave it a bit better every year.
'We've done a few physical changes with the racecourse this year, the enclosure, the parade ring. So it'll be as good as it's always been and hopefully better.
As usual, Race Week will begin on Monday July 28 and canters on through until Sunday. With a jam-packed schedule of events, there's plenty to look forward to on each day – but Colm has a soft spot for one.
He said: 'When I wasn't on committee, I used to love the Friday. It's the day when the people were always [at their best]. Thursdays is a superb day, but it's a day of its own, it's Ladies' Day and it has a complete life of its own, independent of the horses. Whereas Friday, Friday is a day when a lot of locals would leave maybe a couple of hours early at 3 o'clock and you'd meet them all up at the races. So Friday was a great local day.'
No stranger to Galway's style scene, Lisa McGowan won the prestigious Ladies Day Competition in 2016. Originally from Tullamore, since her win she has built one of Ireland's most trusted and successful platforms, racking up 200,000 loyal followers on social media. She said of taking on the judging role: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be invited back to the Galway Races as the Guest Judge for Ladies Day 2025.
'This event holds a very special place in my heart, ever since I won Ladies Day myself in 2016. The style, the atmosphere, and the incredible talent in fashion make it one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar, and I can't wait to celebrate all the amazing looks and creativity on the day.'
Lisa will be joining Ladies Day Head Judge Mandy Maher on the day. In her fourth year as head judge, Mandy said she still carries the privilege of winning her award with her: 'It's the one award, particularly in the industry that I'm in, that you would want to win. It was massive. I'd say they thought I'd never stop talking! It was brilliant, it was great, I'm very proud, but I'm carrying that award for people from the country that work extra hard.'
Also attending the launch was newly-elected Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard, who was only too delighted to extoll the significance of the event.
'It's massive, I suppose it's the biggest race festival in the world, you ask me. And if you ask anybody around the world, where's the best racing festival, it's Galway' he said. 'It's not just because of the racing, it's the whole package you get. It's for all the family. Again, whether you an average race goer and know your horses inside out, whether you're just somebody going for a small bet, there's something in Ballybrit for everybody.'
He added: 'Seven days a week, the entertainment is fantastic. So it's there for everybody to see, all the family to enjoy, it's a massive event and massive for Galway City.'