Cavan hat design wins by lengths at Galway Races

A design by a famed Cavan milliner has won its wearer the coveted title of 'the G Hotel Best Hat' at the Galway Races last week.

Oniesa Owens from Cavan, who now lives in Granard won the prize whilst wearing a hat designed by Cavan Town's Davina Lynch.

Oniesa, an area manager for Tractamotors Tyres in Cavan Town walked away with a prize worth €2,000, including a two night stay at the g Hotel, having commissioned the exquisite headpiece from Davina's latest WhiteStar hat collection. Also included in Oniesa's prize is a spa gift hamper from the hotel's ESPA, a champagne afternoon tea and a €100 voucher for Yourells Salon.

Inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, and her memories of growing up at Crover near Mountnugent, Davina and Oniesa previously met as teenagers in the Pioneer Association in Cavan, before linking up again later in life on Facebook.

Oniesa was also named as runner up in the overall 'Best Dressed' competition at Ballybritt, which once again attracted massive crowds of race enthusiasts.

Cheering Oniesa on was her husband, country music record producer Jonathan Owens, who works with Nathan Carter, Declan Nerney and Derek Ryan.

Other high-end millinery on display were headpieces by designers including Margaret O'Connor, Caithriona King, Aoife Kirwan, Elaine Keogh and Michelle Kearns.

Oozing creativity, elegance and individuality, elements of Davina's show-stopping WhiteStar collection and her other creations were on show at the Brown Thomas Galway Races pop-up shop.

One of Davina's hats previously won best at the inaugural Champion Hat event at the Longines Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown and The Curragh last year.