There were prizes for the best-dressed person and most creative hat at the Galway races on Ladies' Day. But had there been one for the coolest woman, it would have gone to an Australian.
Katie May from Queensland was eight months pregnant and her bump was boldly decorated in orange and green.
Ballybrit can be hard work at the best of times with the crowds, the queuing, the pushing and shoving. But Katie was unhassled, mixing and mingling, laying a bet. "We love racing back home. Katie worked as a vet on race-courses so I'm taking my tips from her," explained husband Rob.
About 100 women, all in exotic hats, gathered outside the hospitality area. They were the focus for dozens of photographers and camera crews. Stephanie Lynch, who owns a boutique in Eyre Square, was with her PRO, Mary Coen. "We've been rushed off our feet for weeks," she said. "It's our busiest time of the year."
Ten women were wearing hats designed by Galway-based Bridget Higgins. The designer's sister, Bernadette, was among the group. "I've been coming here for six years. It's a great chance to get dressed up."
As photographers snapped away at Bridget's hats, a tall woman wearing a black feather hat, incorporating a Venetian face mask, stepped into the circle.
It was extraordinary. The media swarmed around her, forgetting all about the other women. She said she was Patricia Grogan from Galway and her mask was modelled on one in the Stanley Kubrick film, Eyes Wide Shut.
The most creative hat competition was won by Sharon Mulhern from Galway - hat designed by Bridget Higgins. The best-dressed person was Marian Caulfield from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, who wore a white and red linen outfit. "Marian always looks wonderful. She has great taste - after all, she picked me," said her proud husband Joe.
But the happiest woman at Ballybrit yesterday was Cathy O'Farrell from Kilmaganny, Co Kilkenny, whose husband, Seamus, owned and trained the winner of the big race, the £100,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle.
"It's my birthday today and this is the best possible present."