Hat's the idea

If you can't beat them, join them

If you can't beat them, join them. Michael McBride, general manager of the Herbert Park Hotel, which is near the showgrounds, held a champagne reception on Friday for the Aga Khan Day that was in it. "The Horse Show is the social event of the season so we wanted to throw a big party to celebrate," explained David Morse, the hotel's marketing manager.

Eschewing a hat in favour of a tiara was Fiona Quigley. The tiara were designed by Denise Downey, who was wearing one herself. The eye-catching creations - which Denise supplies to Brown Thomas and The Hat Studio - were made of gold and silver wire, semi-precious stones and feathers. Meditating on the move into the perfume business by the Spice Girls was Louis Walsh, the manager of Boyzone. Can we expect a diversion into celebrity aftershave by the band? Chef Conrad Gallagher was taking a break from his many kitchens. Taking a break of a different nature from his usual activities was snooker champion, Ken Doherty.

Also enjoying the party were actress Pauline Collins; actor and producer of Animal Farm, currently shooting in Ireland, Greg Smith; entrepreneur Robbie Fox; Cindy Cafolla and fashion designer Jen Kelly.

Rosita Boland

Rosita Boland

Rosita Boland is Senior Features Writer with The Irish Times. She was named NewsBrands Ireland Journalist of the Year for 2018