It's August so it must be the Horse Show. And if it's Horse Show week it must be time for the Horse Show Ball. Arguably the biggest event in the charity ball calendar, this year - its 21st - was no exception. As usual, all proceeds went to Brainwave, the Irish epilepsy charity and as usual the Brown Thomas connection ensured that although day-wear at the show might err on the side of Puffas and Barbours, the evening wear at the ball was more Prada and Bobbi Brown.
BT's Catherine Condell was wearing a navy silk devore jacket and jersey two-piece by English Essentials along with a handbeaded scarf given to her by close friend Peter O'Brien of Rochas in Paris, while model Sonia Reyn- olds, who came along with solicitor Barry Lyons, was wearing a navy silk and satin number from the trendy new kids on the block, Niall Tyrell and Donald of Oakes on Dawson Street.
PR queen Toni Wall, who was also wearing an Oakes number, has had a busy few weeks - as well as helping with the ball organisation she is also about to take over Henry's, Pat and Marie Henry's Pembroke Street coffee bar. Dolores Delaney, who has just launched herself as a PR consultant after long years with BTs came along in a little number she had purchased in the South of France recently, while fellow committee member Simone Corcoran wore a black Amanda Wakely dress which she flew to London to pick up last week.
The newly-married Niall Wall came along with his wife Fiona Wall, while BT's Clodagh Hannon was reminiscing with her fiance, Ray Egan. The evening was a special event for this pair at least - they met at last year's ball and are now planning a Christmas wedding. Committee chairman Eamon Foley came along with girlfriend Rhona Hopkins, while Rhona's sister Clodagh Kean came with her husband, Gerald. Photographer Breffni Ryan was there with Wendy Vard, who has been enjoying great success following the release of the album, Heav- enly, which she recorded with her sisters. Other people enjoying the ball while looking as if they hadn't been within a mile of a horse were designer Jen Kelly; models Karen O'Reilly, Siobhan Mahon and Maureen Dolan, the latter with boyfriend Michael Heffernan; photographer Barry McCall with his girlfriend, make-up artist, Zoe Clarke; and Anglo Irish Bank's Bill and Helen Barrett.